The Utah State Chapter
Welcome to the Utah State Chapter of the National MS Society. The Utah State Chapter was incorporated on December 6, 1954 as the local extension of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Chapter, located in Salt Lake City, provides a wide variety of programs, fundraisers, activities, and services statewide for Utahns with MS, their families, and friends.
Our objective: to empower people with MS to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Scientists and researchers don’t know what causes this mysterious disease; however, it is more frequent in areas farther from the equator and also among Caucasians from Northern Europe. Utah is both north of the equator and populated by many with Northern European heritage.This combination of environmental and genetic factors is believed to be a possible explanation of why Utah has one of the highest rates of MS in the nation.
What we do
In 2008 we served 4,500 registered clients and 30,000 others – family, friends, co-workers, and care partners – who share the impact of living with MS. Thanks to the passionate support of our donors, our members benefited with a 20% increase in our direct services to clients in 2008. This included services like financial assistance, care management, physical health and wellness, and many others. What’s more, the Chapter was able to provide 3,500 service hours educating clients.
Additionally, the Chapter invested more than $650,000 in research to find cures to treat, prevent and end multiple sclerosis. We were also able to make a commitment to the Society’s Promise 2010 Research Campaign. The Utah Chapter is very proud of the research talent we have in our state which has resulted in over $1.5 million of National MS Society grants currently being awarded to Utah researchers.
All of the services and support the Chapter provides would not be possible without the tireless commitment of our donors, fundraisers, and volunteers who make it happen. The Chapter realized over 10% growth in gross fundraising revenue. We are pleased to have been recognized by the National Society as part of the “Million Dollar Club” for our Bike MS event which raised over $1.5 million. Our Walk MS also broke fundraising records and we continue to benefit from partnerships with many community sponsors, foundations, and the more than 1,000 volunteers supporting the Chapter.