Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month 2025
MSAA is proud to support Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month during the month of March and is offering several online educational activities, which include a podcast series, live webinar, blog posts, and coverage across MSAA’s various communication platforms. MSAA’s 2025 MS Awareness Month campaign titled “Empowered from the Start with MSAA” focuses on education, empowerment, and support for individuals who are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This initiative provides essential information on MS, guidance to navigate treatment options, emotional support, resources, and inspiration to help individuals achieve well-being while fostering a strong sense of community for them and their care partners.
Please join us for the following free MS Awareness Month activities:
MSAA Podcast Episodes
If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis
A three-part series featuring Barry Hendin, MD and a panel of MS patient advocates
Join us for a special 3-episode MSAA Podcast series — a conversation between our guests as they share personal stories and expert insights to inspire and guide newly diagnosed individuals in their MS journey.
Sign up now for an email alert announcing the availability of upcoming episodes and updates on future MSAA Podcast programs.
If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis – Part 1
This initial episode featuring MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Barry Hendin discusses important areas to focus on for individuals who are newly diagnosed with MS, how to communicate with one’s healthcare team, and the importance of emotional well-being. Dr. Hendin is a neurologist and Director of the Arizona Integrated Neurology MS Center. He is also Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Banner University Medical Center and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Arizona Medical School.
▶️ Listen Now
If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis – Part 2
In this next episode, we hear from a group of people living with multiple sclerosis who share their personal experiences of being diagnosed with MS:
- Diagnosed with MS in 2022, Claude Pinnock, MD, MPH is a healthcare executive and physician with over 15 years of experience. Currently, he serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Wider Circle.
- Diagnosed with MS in 2015, Anita Williams began her advocacy work soon after as a founding member of the Minority Research Engagement Partnership Network (MS MREPN). Anita is a member of the iConquerMS RIDE Council and was Co-Chair of the Engagement Committee.
- Diagnosed in 2003, Lizette Gutierrez, MPH, CHES®, a Houston native, is currently a Research Coordinator II at the University of Texas Health Science Center, focusing on MSAA’s Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network (MSIN) research project. She has over 15 years of experience in health education, program coordination, and management.
If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis – Part 3
In this final episode in our series, “If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis,” our esteemed panel of patient advocates Claude, Lizette, and Anita continue their discussion of what it was like when they were newly diagnosed and offer more advice about the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of an MS diagnosis.
Live Webinar
Navigating Your MS Journey featuring Jakai Nolan McEwen, DO, MPH
Tuesday, March 25, 8:00 – 9:00 PM Eastern
Dr. Jakai Nolan McEwen is a board-certified neurologist and fellowship trained multiple sclerosis specialist with Joi Life Wellness Group in Smyrna, Georgia. Join Dr. Nolan McEwen and MSAA for an insightful webinar designed to guide you through your MS journey. Learn key strategies for understanding your diagnosis, managing symptoms, exploring treatment options, and finding the support you need to navigate life with MS. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and resources.
Support MSAA
Make a Life-Changing Impact in March
The MS community depends on MSAA for vital programs. Every donation makes a difference in helping people who need our support this MS Awareness Month, and beyond.
Additional MS Awareness Month Resources
- Other Educational Programs – check out our Calendar of Events for information about more in-person and digital educational programs along with other online events
- MS Conversations blog – read new posts from MSAA and our guest bloggers during MS Awareness Month
- My MSAA Community – join our growing online community platform and share your own story about MS during March
- Press Release from MSAA
MSAA Art Showcase 2025-26
MSAA is very proud to recognize the work of artists living with multiple sclerosis. Enjoy the many wonderful and inspiring submissions from artists with MS, including our latest Artist of the Month.
MS Information for the Newly Diagnosed
For more resources, please visit the Newly Diagnosed section on our website to access information including tips to help adjust to a diagnosis of MS, strategies for helping family and friends understand MS, and more.