Jun 08, 2009
“Stand Against MS” Planned for August
Lemonade Stands throughout North Florida Will Raise Awareness and Funds for
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society—North Florida Chapter
It doesn’t get any hotter than August in North Florida. That’s just one reason why the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society selected that month to “Stand Against MS,” a region-wide effort that will raise awareness and funds for the organization through neighborhood and corporate Lemonade Stands. Money raised as part of this campaign will help the chapter provide direct services to people living with MS. In addition, it will support important research that’s helping to create a world free of MS, announced Jennifer Lee, Chapter President.
“Stand Against MS will also help us remind everyone that MS affects families…and children,” said Lee. “Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the body and stops people from moving. At least two to three times more women than men have been diagnosed, typically in the prime-of-life years, ages 20-50, although an estimated 8,000-10,000 children under the age of 18 also live with MS.”
During the entire month of August, families, friends and supporters throughout the North Florida Chapter’s region will host the stands. The chapter serves 18,000 people in 34 counties from Pensacola to Gainesville.
Those hosting stands will be able to ask for sponsorship and donations in advance of the day they choose to operate the stand. The Chapter is encouraging each stand to raise a minimum of $300 and will provide them with a kit full of materials to help them raise as much as possible. To register to host a stand, go to www.standMS.org. Once registered, hosts will receive their kits and have the ability to download materials to help make their effort successful. All contributions generated by Stand Against MS must be turned in by September 18, 2009.
Prizes will be earned by the stands raising the most money in different age divisions. Details about the prizes and competition can be found on the Web site.
MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS, a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.
Since it was founded more than 30 years ago, The National MS Society North Florida Chapter has grown to serve approximately 18,000 people, including their families, who live with MS through educational and client programs. The Chapter provides information & referral; educational programs; financial emergency assistance; medical equipment loan closet; and self help groups. For more information call (904) 332-6810.