Quarterly Updates

The MS movement continues to gain momentum every single day. We celebrate the milestones that are propelling us forward and ushering real change for people living with MS all over the country. In this issue, we honor the immense accomplishments of researchers who have committed their lives to changing the trajectory of MS. We explore the need to garner a detailed understanding on how neurology deserts can affect our communities. And we highlight the incredible promise behind our collective voice as advocates and activists for a world free of MS. We invite you to celebrate these achievements with us as we focus on the most promising developments to push us even closer to reliable solutions for people living with MS.

We are growing the MS movement! In 2022, 391,608 people plugged into the Society for the first time and 89% of them reported that they made new connections. Check out our latest Impact Report for details on how we are improving access to healthcare, empowering people affected by MS to move their lives forward, accelerating cures, and strengthening our overall movement through deepened connections.

This issue covers the progress our generous donors have helped make possible — from tackling some of our biggest challenges like the cost of MS medications and clinical trial diversity, to celebrating the achievements of this year’s Society MS research prize winners. We also take the time to recognize the legacy of a special volunteer and donor, Jean Griswold, who remained steadfast in her commitment to a world free of MS.

Pathways to Cures is the Society’s biggest, boldest and most collaborative effort yet to find cures for MS. Together, we are aligning the world’s talents and resources to the areas of greatest opportunity to stop MS, restore lost function and ultimately end MS. It’s a thrilling moment in our history as we charge ahead to reach a world free of MS. It will take all of us – our time, our energy, our resources – and together we will close the book on MS forever.

The National MS Society’s largest and most comprehensive fundraising campaign – Breakthrough MS – is nearing its successful completion. With three months left to reach $900 Million raised, we gratefully and enthusiastically share the achievements of the historic Breakthrough MS Campaign. Through $878 million raised so far from 3.2 million supporters, with contributions ranging from $35 to $35 million dollars, we’ve made as much progress in the last five years as the 70 that preceded it, changing nearly all aspects of life for people affected by MS. In this issue, discover the astounding number of breakthroughs we achieved thanks to your support and learn how Ron Cohn was inspired by his grandmother’s journey with MS to support the Society’s mission to find a cure for MS.

To ensure that no one faces MS alone, we must meet people living with MS where they are. This means as we ramp up to in-person gatherings once again, we must also remember the benefits of increased accessibility that virtual opportunities bring to those living with MS. In this issue, learn about how we are keeping your health and safety in mind as we plan in-person gatherings, the impact and important advocacy issues from the first ever virtual Public Policy Conference, and the dedication of Bill and Cathy Onufrychuk to changing the lives of those living with MS.

Over past 75 years, the National MS Society has made breakthroughs to change the lives of people living with MS. This is only possible with your support. In this issue, explore the unprecedented progress we’re making, learn about the Society’s effort to lead and distribute COVID-19 vaccine guidance for those living with MS, meet the 2020 recipient of the Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research: Dr. Dwight E. Bergles, and discover the McGraw family’s legacy of giving.

The National MS Society thanks you for your support throughout this challenging year. Thanks to you, we continue to make progress towards a world free of MS. Learn about how, despite today’s challenges, MS breakthroughs have not stopped and we are at a pivotal moment where MS may be a preventable disease. Discover how we continue to increase healthcare access by expanding Project ECHO and get inspired by the Wattman family’s engagement with the Society for over 30 years and how their support is changing the lives of people living with MS.

The National MS Society will keep moving forward, thanks to your generous donations. Learn about how we are: persistent in listening to people affected by MS so we can confront the disparities in our movement, magnified by the pandemic, and take bold actions to understand causes so we can address them head on. Be inspired by the Tykeson Family's passion and legacy of supporting the talented MS researchers of the future.

COVID-19 has changed everything so much but thanks to you, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the National MS Society’s commitment to people affected by MS. Read about how we're keeping people with MS first, during this crisis and always, and the inspirational words of some key donors who are leading the way to fund the Society's response.

A ground-breaking meeting of the brightest minds in MS research convened to outline the pathways to a cure for MS; celebrating wins in legislative advocacy, MS activists took to the hill in early March to share their stories with lawmakers to advocate for priorities important for people with MS; Jamey Power of the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation shares how recent generous giving was inspired by his mother's life with MS.

The recent Society Leadership Conference brought together volunteer and staff leaders from across the country to set the course for the year and build momentum, alongside the Tykeson Fellows Conference that convenes up and coming MS researchers and clinicians. Dr. Kristen Evonuk, a Society-funded Kathleen C. Moore fellow, shares her conference experience. And learn the story behind truly transformational generosity on the part of Barron Hilton and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to change the world for everyone living with MS.

Thanks to our generous donors we have accomplished so much, but we still have work to do to change the world for the nearly 1 million men, women, and children living with MS in the US. This issue shares the story of Joshua, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 4, and his mother’s hopes and wishes for the future of MS for everyone affected; how the Society’s MS Breakthroughs program brings hope and connection to people on the MS journey; and the story of how the Molly Donegan Wininger Memorial Endowment was created to honor a daughter, a son, and to support people with MS.

Exciting news about new MS treatments that provide hope for a cure highlights the importance of advocating for the affordability of treatments for people with MS. This issue covers how your generosity helps us pursue the pathways that will someday discover a cure. Diane Whitcraft shares her powerful message about being an MS activist and a husband tells a heartwarming story of a bequest gift that leaves a legacy to helping people with MS and their families.

New study confirms, twice as many people living with MS in the US - that's twice as many people who need solutions and a cure. The inspiring story of donor Kevin Goetz, who gives to honor his mother. Innovative research by 2018 Barancik Prize Winner Katerina Akassoglou unlocks clue to MS.

Breakthrough MS Campaign Update: Together we have made incredible progress in the areas of Research, Services, Advocacy and Awareness in just two short years. Read more about the impact you've helped us achieve - we can't change lives without you.

Changing Lives Here and Abroad: Society extends commitment to the global effort to end progressive MS with and additional $19 M, the Society's annual Public Policy Conference empowers the voices of people affected by MS to influence policy and drive change, and Society Trustee Jay Brammer leads by example with $1 Million gift to advance progressive MS research

Driving Breakthroughs: Pilot projects focus on cutting-edge MS research; ground-breaking approaches to breakthroughs; proactive approach to healthcare partnerships; access to high-quality MS care changes lives; and foundation's enhanced gift will drive MS breakthroughs

Whatever it takes to change the world: $3 Million gift will help people navigate the challenges of MS, expanding MS awareness changes lives, and Dr. Robin Franklin and the Society are on the forefront of innovation in MS research.

Celebrating what we’ve accomplished together: California MS activists lead the way in lowering MS medication costs, the Society commits $13.8 Million for 40 new MS research projects, and Susie Collins' bequest gift is inspired by 32 years of passion for the mission.

Ensuring the best MS workforce: Tykeson's legacy to the MS research community, enhancing the MS healthcare workforce, and society-supported researcher and past fellow uncovers factors of MS risk in children

First-ever Primary Progressive MS therapy is approved, clinical trial of cholesterol lowering drug adds additional treatment to the Progressive MS pipeline, gaining resilience through telling the stories of people with MS, and funding the Breakthroughs of the future.

Society’s largest ever gift to fund an International Progressive MS Alliance Collaborative Network, Wellness Research Workgroup publishes article on gaps and priorities, the life-changing impact of MS Navigators, and Advocacy’s critical role in accelerating breakthroughs.

Personal breakthrough stories featured at the recent 2016 Society Leadership Conference, new nationwide wellness program, Everyday Matters, and Alliance Collaborative Network Awards advanced through donor support.

New solutions for advanced MS including the establishment of The Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program, new research finding on gut bacteria in MS, and the launch of the Progressive MS Research Champions.

Society President and CEO, Cyndi Zagieboylo talks about building upon the success of the NOW MS Research Campaign to deliver life-changing breakthroughs to people with MS