Can you believe that March is already here? With Spring fast approaching, we're gearing up for an exciting month, including "moving it" for MS Awareness Week which will highlight a visit to the Goodwill Fitness Center and ways to become an MS activist.

The goal of MS Awareness Week is to acknowledge people who are a part of the movement, invite new people to join the movement, and encourage everyone to “move it” during MS Awareness Week to take at least one action to demonstrate their commitment to a world free of MS.

Move it is all about moving forward; it’s about volunteering, walking, cycling, advocating, educating, raising awareness; showing that every unique mark builds the MS movement; it’s about encouraging people to support the Society and motivating the millions of people who want to do something about MS now. Here's how you can get involved today!

• Write a Letter to the Editor at your local paper. Sharing how you live with MS or how MS has affected you and your family helps to spread awareness.
• Read about the journey of others living with MS at WeKeepMoving.org. We Keep Moving is a site for people affected by multiple sclerosis with unique stories about what it means to live with MS and journeys of overcoming the obstacles how we each keep moving in our own way.
• Join us at Walk MS. We'd like to invite you to join us at Walk MS and be a part of the Pacific South Coasters! Team Captain, Lee Bulfin will once again lead those affected by MS and we want to see the team grow. If not with you, then who? Don't worry if you don't know anyone -- because you will meet us! Even if you decide not to walk, you can still be a part of the team. Lee uses her scooter on the route, so know that each location is 100% accessible!
• Want some more ideas? Visit our chapter website.

A state-of-the-art wellness facility designed especially for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, the Goodwill Fitness Center is completely focused on empowering its members. The Center features accessible fitness equipment, personal training, physical therapy and group classes. They have generously donated space in their facility for a weekly yoga class for people with MS. Learn more.

Your Voice Can Change Lives. At the Pacific South Coast Chapter, we think that real people should have a real impact on reforming the system. All of our advocacy successes happen when people who care about MS speak out on issues that are important to them. We rely on MS Activists to provide input about problems affecting people with MS in their local communities and raise awareness of the challenges of MS among public officials.

Make a difference by joining Action Alert today! Action Alert is our grassroots network of people who want do something about MS. When a priority public policy issue is at hand, we will contact you with background information on the issue, clear instructions, sample letters and legislative contact information. You will be asked to e-mail, write, telephone, or visit your member of Congress, State Legislators, or other key decision makers to voice your views.

Contact Amanda Lasik at 760-448-8404 or amanda.lasik@nmss.org to get started as an MS Activist.

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