For MS Awareness Week 2012, the National MS Society wants everyone to know that MS Kills Connection and Connection Kills MS
MS Awareness Week 2012 is March 19-25 in Chicago.* MS Awareness Week acknowledges people who are part of the Movement, invites new people to join, and demonstrates that the power and importance of the MS movement is a force by and for people living with MS. During MS Awareness Week 2012 and throughout the month of March, there will be plenty of opportunities to Join the Movement and help improve the lives of the 20,000 people and their families living with MS in Illinois.
A Month of Awareness
This year, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has officially proclaimed March MS Awareness Month in Chicago. During the month, thousands of public service announcements will be heard on local radio, including spots recorded by actress Teri Garr, who has lived with MS for nearly 30 years. She has joined the movement, with advice for both those living with MS and for those who simply care about the movement: “As we all know, knowledge is power. Get involved on a local level. Become a volunteer. Be an advocate."
Evenings throughout the month, downtown Chicago buildings will be illuminated in orange, reminding everyone to join the Movement to End MS. Last year, several iconic structures lit up orange and/or carried the Awareness Week message, including the the Civic Opera House, Wrigley Field, and ABC 7 Chicago. Be sure to look to the Chicago skyline in March for this year's participants. In addition, the Tootsie Roll Company has donated thousands of orange Tootsie Pops, which we will hand out at various activities during MS Awareness week. (Details to come!)
A Month on Message for a World Free of MS
MS Awareness activities are not confied to a single city or a single week, either. In 2012, the Chapter is celebrating a month-long awareness campaign, with associated events including Peoria's tenth-annual Carnivale Mardi Gras celebration on Friday, March 16, and the release of the new "It's Double Time!" Illinois lottery ticket with proceeds going towards MS research.
For more information about MS Awareness Week, visit the Society's national MS Awareness Week page.
(*Note, outside Illinois, MS Awareness Week 2012 takes place March 12-18.)