About the National MS Society
Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. The Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter represents more than 17,000 people with MS in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and several counties in western Wisconsin and Nebraska.
About the chapter
The chapter provides countless resources for people living with MS and their families, friends and care partners, including:
- Four licensed social workers, who connect people with MS to resources and assist them in working with insurance companies, applying for programs, locating appropriate housing, discovering ways to manage the disease, finding solutions to family and employment issues, learning about Social Security, and more;
- More than 100 MS clubs and groups across the chapter area;
- More than 30 exercise and wellness programs;
- Independent Living Grants, which provide financial assistance to families in the purchase of products and services such as medical equipment, aids for daily living, home and auto modification, chore services and respite care;
- Emergency financial assistance to help steer families out of crisis by helping to pay for things like utility bills and mortgages;
- Educational programs about MS research, treatments and symptom management;
- Getaways and camps for fun, relaxation and friendship;
- Programs for youth and teens who have a parent or close relative with MS;
- Scholarships for students who live with MS or have a parent or guardian with MS;
- Community grants for local MS partner clinics;
- Social and educational opportunities and support for care partners, friends and families of people with MS; and
- Advocacy efforts for MS-related issues, working to minimize budget cuts that would hurt people with MS and other disabilities; and training and mobilizing its network of grassroots activists to raise awareness, share their stories and make changes for people with MS.