National MS Society

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to join an MS clinical trial... or if it could be right for you? In a special episode of RealTalk MS, Dr. Aaron Boster, who’s cared for people with MS for over 20 years and led more than 65 clinical trials, breaks it all down. From what each trial phase means, to how safety is monitored, to the real-world impact participation can have, Dr. Boster explains it with clarity, compassion, and honesty. Clinical trials aren’t just about research — they’re about people. They give today’s participants access to potential new treatments while paving the way for better options for tomorrow. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with MS for years, this episode can help you feel more informed, empowered, and connected to the progress being made. Listen now: https://ntlms.org/47usvhg

"My story begins in 2010. My dad had walked Challenge Walk Cape Cod the year before in honor of his best friend from childhood, Carl Lombardi. Both my brother and I thought, 'Well if dad can do it, so can we.' So we signed up and walked with my dad and his team in 2010. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the sense of purpose, and the huge feeling of family. I talked to Carl and promised him that I would be at Challenge Walk every single year until a cure is found or until I physically cannot do it any longer. I signed up for 2011 that day at the finish line, only this time I signed up to be part of the Bike Crew. I have made so many lifelong friends at Challenge Walk. One of them I married. My wife, Cristin, and I met along the rail trail. One of my close friends told me that his wife was walking with a coworker, and long story short, that coworker is my now wife! In 2019, we took our kids to Cape Cod and got married along the rail trail in the very place we met. Challenge Walk, and the Society as a whole, now has an entirely different meaning to me. Carl may have passed away a few years ago, but I'm keeping my promise to him and I won't stop fighting for a cure. I am now the Captain of the Bike Safety Team for Challenge Walk Cape Cod and love it. I have a great team and I love taking care of and cheering on all the walkers! It's my favorite weekend of the year. I can't wait for next years family reunion!" — Rob L., Challenge Walk MS participant and Bike Crew volunteer

Living with MS often means dealing with unexpected changes — but how do you know when a flare-up is serious enough for the ER? Not every symptom spike is an emergency, but some warning signs should never be ignored. Knowing the difference can protect both your health and your peace of mind. Learn what to watch for and what to do if you’re unsure. https://lnkd.in/gqmidCKD

Things you should know if you love someone living with MS: 💉 MS treatments aren't something you get "used to" 🤕 Pushing through overwhelming and painful moments may look like disassociated silence ⚡ Just because they had energy yesterday doesn't mean they have energy today, or even tomorrow 🧡 They're doing their best, so understand that they need your patience, especially on the hard days

MYTH: You have to wait for new symptoms before you can be diagnosed with MS. FACT: The updated McDonald Criteria allow diagnosis without waiting for new symptoms if other evidence is present. 2024 updates include: - Dissemination in time (DIT)- evidence of damage occurring over different dates is no longer needed for diagnosis - Dissemination in space (DIS)- fulfilled when lesions are found in two of the five locations of the central nervous system - Demonstration of central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are not required for diagnosis These updates build on the existing criteria by expanding where and how signs of MS are identified and give neurologists more tools to diagnose MS sooner, leading to earlier treatment and improved long-term outcomes. Get all the facts at https://lnkd.in/gZ4dt4gz

When your child is diagnosed with MS, the questions can feel endless, but we're here to help you through it. Our Pediatric MS program is a place to connect and learn with others going through similar experiences and navigating their own journeys. Join us on October 23 at 7:30pm ET for our session “Academic Considerations in MS” where Dr. Haiwen Chen of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Kelly Jones of the Kennedy Krieger Institute will discuss the cognitive challenges kids with MS may face and how the right school accommodations can make all the difference. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and shine — no matter their diagnosis. Register today at: https://lnkd.in/g532GbTU

Hispanic MS specialists like Patricia de Jesús, Daniel Ontaneda, Francisco Quintana, and Christina Azevedo are pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and bringing us closer to a world free of MS. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of MS care and research. To every Hispanic researcher and clinician advancing MS breakthroughs: thank you for your leadership, expertise, and impact.

"My life was flipped upside down on December 10, 2023, when I lost vision in my right eye. I checked myself into the ER in Salt Lake City, where my boyfriend and I lived at the time. We had no family around and were both so scared. I was all alone in a hospital bed with nurses consoling me. I left the hospital a couple days later with a diagnosis that changed my life forever. I am so grateful my life was flipped upside down that day. Little did I know multiple sclerosis would change my life in such a positive and impactful way. ❤️🩹" — Allison T.

Join us for Dinner of Champions: San Diego, an uplifting evening filled with delicious food, dancing to the tunes of the Rising Star Band, and fostering friendships as we raise funds and awareness to find a cure for MS. The night will include a silent auction, live auction, and wine pull. All proceeds benefit MS awareness and research. Reserve your seat now: onecau.se/_8xr631

Grieving your SELF before an MS diagnosis is normal. You might find yourself going through 5 stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance — sometimes on a daily basis. MS can take a toll on your mental health, so as you find yourself in each stage, try to remember to give yourself grace (and lots of it). This World Mental Health Day, discover how Daniel, a writer with MS, learned to grieve his former self: https://lnkd.in/gkbxxxux