Feb 23, 2009
Advocates Travel to Trenton to Ask for Support in the Fight Against MS
National Multiple Sclerosis Lobby Day March 5
New Jersey – Every hour someone is diagnosed with MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. For some, this means living with unpredictable symptoms that can come and go, like numbness and blurred vision. For others, there is more permanent damage, like paralysis. For everyone impacted by MS, it means not knowing what the day will bring and always being prepared for the unexpected, making it difficult to move forward in life.
MS Awareness Week is the week of March 2-8, 2009, in New Jersey and throughout the United States. To support the over 13,000 people who live with MS everyday in New Jersey and to move us closer to a world free of MS, the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National MS Society has organized several events to take place during this week. The week will feature our annual MS Lobby Day on Thursday March 5. People living with, or affected by MS from all over New Jersey will visit the Capital Building in Trenton to meet legislators and policy makers and ask for their support on crucial issues important to individuals with multiple sclerosis.
The day will begin with advocates participating in a MS awareness activity. We will then enjoy a lunch with legislators and policy makers. The lunch program will feature presentations by Assemblyman Louis Greenwald on how to be and advocate. The day will also feature a presentation on the legislative issues surrounding those with MS and the opportunity to speak with legislators about these issues. The day will close out with an MS resolution and the opportunity to attend a voting session.
“We are encouraging people to join the movement to move us closer to a world free of MS,” said Michael Elkow, chapter president. “If you have always wanted to get involved here is your opportunity, join us in Trenton and let your voice be heard. Change happens through activism, be an activist.”
About MS Awareness Week
MS Awareness Week is March 2-8. Join the movement and help move us closer to a world free of MS. Call the chapter at 1-800-344-4867or log on to www.nationalMSsociety.org.njm.