News Center
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Awarded a Grant to Develop a Life Coaching Program
Through a charitable gift from the Bayer USA Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) will develop a Life Coaching program for individuals in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. This program will provide an innovative way for individuals with MS to interact with each other while developing critical problem-solving strategies. To help teach these skills, life coaches will use real life events to help find practical solutions to daily challenges individuals with MS might face. Life coaches will meet with clients through group sessions over the phone or online.
A Closer Look at MRIs
A Closer Look at The Value of MRIs is now available through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s (MSAA) website. This three part video features: a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) offering a first-hand account on the experience of undergoing an MRI; a neurologist explaining how MRIs work as well as the importance of MRIs to monitor disease progression; and an MSAA representative discussing the financial resources available through MSAA for those seeking their first or follow-up MRI.
Spring Research Update
This research update focuses on trials currently being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials include FDA-approved drugs, experimental drugs (such as oral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and other treatments), as well as various combinations of drugs and doses.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Observes March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Join the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) during the month of March. MSAA will be hosting various events designed to expand knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA will also join other MS organizations to call on Congress for increased federal funding for MS research.
MSAA's Public Service Announcement Offers Information on the Importance of Disease Modifying Therapies for MS
On November 25, 2007 MSAA began airing two public service announcements nationwide that encourage individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to adhere to an MS treatment plan, including one of the FDA-approved disease modifying therapies. MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jack Burks recommends that individuals with MS consult their physician, and if appropriate, begin treatment as soon as possible. Below are some helpful links on MS medications, MS, and MSAA.
MSAA Enhances Website With New Copy and Technology
Visitors to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) website, msassociation.org, may have noticed some changes. Over the past few months, a new design was unveiled and various enhancements were made providing the multiple sclerosis (MS) community with the resources and tools they need at their finger tips
MS Coalition Honored at The Heuga Center's 22nd Annual Autumn Benefit
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007 the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition will be honored at The Heuga Center's Annual Autumn Benefit at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. At the benefit, MSAA's President and CEO Doug Franklin will be accepting The Heuga Center's CAN DO award, on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition. Doug Franklin will be accepting this honor as president of the MS Coalition, an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those affected by multiple sclerosis.
MSAA Publishes A Booklet About Depression and MS
Understanding and Treating Depression in Multiple Sclerosis is the most recent publication produced by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA).The booklet serves as a resource on depression for both patients and families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Author Allison Shadday, LCSW, who has MS, provides an in-depth understanding of depression in MS and focuses on such topics as the hidden symptoms of depression; warning signs; treatment options; and tips for fighting the effects of depression.
Summer 2007 Research Update
Numerous trials are currently being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials include FDA-approved drugs, experimental drugs (such as oral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and other treatments), as well as various combinations of drugs and doses.
Help MSAA by Shopping At MACY's
From now until October 1, 2007, anyone who gives a gift of $5 or more will be sent an official MACY’S “Shop for a Cause” day card. This card can be used on October 13, 2007, and will give you 20% off any purchases for that day. This is a win-win situation. You will be helping enrich the quality of life for individuals with Multiple Scleroses, and in return, you can treat yourself to a shopping trip at MACY’S store!!
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Receives A Telly Award
The Silver Telly was awarded to MSAA and VCS, a video production company located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, for the web video “A Closer Look At Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms, Part 1.” This video is the first in a series titled “A Closer Look,” which is part of MSAA’s Multiple Sclerosis Information (MSi) Program. The MSi Program provides viewers with an extensive resource guide on multiple sclerosis (MS) and helps clients acquire the support they need while coping with the challenges of MS.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Wins Two APEX Awards
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) was honored twice in the 2007 APEX Awards competition. Mommy’s Story, MSAA’s children’s booklet, received the APEX Grand Award for One-of-a-Kind Publication. MSAA also earned a Publication Excellence Award for their quarterly magazine, The Motivator. This was the first time MSAA entered the APEX Award competition.
EMD Serono Offers a New Patient Assistance Program for Rebif®
As a way to expand access to therapy, a new patient assistance program titled MS LifeLines® Access Made Simple was launched on July 2, 2007 by EMD Serono. According to EMD Serono, "The program provides simplified and affordable access to therapy for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) who have either been newly prescribed Rebif (interferon beta-1a) by their physician or who have restarted Rebif therapy after having discontinued for more than 90 days." All eligible patients will receive a supply of Rebif up to one year, regardless of income, with no more than a $50 co-payment. After one year, patients who are still unable to obtain full insurance coverage for Rebif can apply to the MS LifeLines Patient Assistance Program (PAP), which provides financial support to people who cannot otherwise afford therapy.
Summer 2007 MS Research Update, Part One
Numerous trials are currently being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials include FDA-approved drugs, experimental drugs (such as oral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and other treatments), as well as various combinations of drugs and doses. This first of four updates provides a few research highlights on each of the FDA-approved drugs for MS.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Publishes A Monograph about Clinical Trials
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has produced a monograph titled, The Confusing World of Clinical Trials. The monograph serves as a resource on clinical trials for both patients and families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). This is the second monograph MSAA has published through a grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. The first monograph Thinking about Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and this second monograph are dedicated to Dr. Jacks Burks, MSAA’s chief medical officer for his work with the multiple sclerosis community.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Debuts MSi Program
A new web video initiative titled MSi (Multiple Sclerosis Information) has been launched by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Targeted to individuals with MS, the video series A Closer Look can be accessed on MSAA’s website. The first video, A Closer Look at Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms – Part 1, is divided into four segments: Effective MS Symptom Management featuring Jack Burks, MD; Understanding Depression and MS featuring Allison Shadday, LCSW; Learning about Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder featuring Daniel Wynn, MD; and Managing Spasticity featuring Donald Barone, DO.
Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Update
Historically, primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) has seemingly taken a back seat to other types of multiple sclerosis (MS). By far, the largest amount of information published about research and treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) has been in reference to relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of MS (RRMS and SPMS respectively).
Flu Vaccines, MS, and General Flu and Cold Information
Individuals with MS need to pay extra attention to staying healthy and avoiding illness during the flu and cold season. MSAA's Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Jack Burks, MD, advises everyone with MS to consult his or her physician about getting a flu shot. With the shortage of vaccines, individuals with MS qualify as a group which should get priority for receiving a flu shot. Other steps may be taken to reduce one's risk of getting the flu, and this is important for both individuals with MS and others in the household. For those who catch the flu virus or who get a cold, this writing explains how the viruses are transmitted, what the symptoms are, and what treatments are available. Additional warnings about supplements, antibiotics, saunas, and smoking are included
