Whether you just received a diagnosis of MS or have been living with it for a long time we are here to help. The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter can help provide you with information and tips on how to maintain your quality of life in the years ahead. We will work with you to build strategies to enhance your health and wellness, maximize your productivity and independence, and deal with emotional, social, and vocational challenges.
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What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), 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.
Our Learn About MS page contains many helpful resources to answer your questions about what multiple sclerosis is while the Multimedia Resources page, also found here, offers you a variety of methods such as our online publications or YouTube videos to gain more information.
Is there a Cure?
Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations (also called attacks, relapses, or flare-ups), manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS.
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Who can I talk to about this?
Our social programs are for people with MS, friends, partners, and spouses to socialize and meet others impacted by MS. Discover our network of social programs for family, care partners and individuals newly diagnosed and new to the area with MS.
What kind of resources are available to me?
The Gateway Are Chapter provides hundreds of programs, services, and support for people living with MS. You can learn about MS, gain information on financial assistance we can provide, learn about assistance with MS in the workplace, learn about MS research, or learn about ways to improve your quality of life with healthy living.
How can I Join the Movement to create a world free of MS?
If you are looking to take action and join us in the movement to end MS forever there is a variety of ways to get involved. Our Fundraising Events page contains the list of our major events held to raise money for the programs and services we provide, as well as to go toward research. Here, you can learn how to participate in these events. Another option is to visit our Volunteer page to find out how to volunteer for various events and/or help in other ways like office support or directly helping other people with MS. There are many volunteer options, and we are sure to have one that will interest you! Interested in becoming an MS activist? Vist our Advocate page to learn how to fuel change through a political outlet.