Up Front
I would
like to start this issue’s column with a special note about relationships.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is joined in our cause
of serving individuals with MS by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
(NMSS), the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), and the Multiple
Sclerosis Foundation (MSF), along with other agencies. Similar to MSAA, these
organizations have been in existence for many years, and with each year,
continue to grow in size and expand the work they do.
While we share a common mission: to fight MS and assist those affected by this illness, we do each concentrate on different areas of service. For instance, MSAA’s focus is on easing the day-to-day challenges of individuals with MS and their care partners through a range of client services. These include our toll-free Helpline, regional events and support groups, MRI programs, educational literature, home modifications, equipment distribution programs, and symptom management research, along with other programs.
NMSS has traditionally invested the bulk of its funding into research for a cure – an important and urgent directive – while providing other services, such as support groups and patient education. CMSC, which MSAA initially helped to fund, is primarily clinical in nature, providing much needed medical attention and information to individuals with MS via the many MS centers across the country and internationally. MSF is a member of CMSC, and through networking with other MS agencies in other locations, provides support and educational programs aimed at improving the quality of life for those coping with MS.
Clearly, we all work in different ways to fulfill the varied needs of the
MS community. With this in mind, a movement is underway to enter into discussions
to explore how we might work in cooperation with one another to greater benefit
those affected by MS.
This is all about relationships; our mission statement is paramount: focusing
on MS and caring. We want to avoid duplication of service wherever possible
and bridge any gaps in service. By communicating and taking a cooperative and
collegial approach, we may be able to conduct research and provide assistance
on a level that is greater than the sum of our individual efforts.
Moving on to our next topic, I would like to say a few words about our cover
story in this issue of The Motivator, which is about pets and service animals.
This is a subject close to my heart and to the heart of many of our readers.
Animals have always been a big part of my life. While growing up, we always had dogs in the family. I also love to ride horses. Having a pet is very nourishing for the soul; we bond with them and learn about affection. Pets also teach responsibility, as they require feeding, grooming, and care. But the work required is always paid back with interest.
Animals seem to just know your moods and sense your feelings. They can be very therapeutic, especially for people unable to go out and socialize as often as they would like. Sometimes a pet’s sole existence is to be with you, to lay by your feet, and to spread joy.
Animals can help you physically too, by the exercise you gain while walking
them and caring for them. They can also assist people with balance, with
a wheelchair, and with household duties. Pets and animals play a vital role
in many people’s
lives.
Finally, the feature article in this issue gives a concise overview of the
two national conferences in which MSAA participates each year. These are the
American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis
Centers’ annual meeting. MSAA always has an information booth at these
conferences, allowing us the opportunity to discuss issues with critical leaders
in neurology, nursing, and therapy. These are also ideal forums in which to meet
with other organizations and pharmaceutical companies to advance our client services.
While at the conferences, representatives from MSAA attend informative seminars and later share this information with the staff at the home office and regions. Additionally, members of MSAA’s Healthcare Advisory Council attend the conferences as well, sometimes giving presentations, and further developing their relations with other experts in the field. Together, we all make a good team driven by one objective: helping our clients and their care partners in every way possible.