Embrace Empowerment and Self Advocacy this MS Awareness Month with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) proudly recognizes March as MS Awareness Month, presenting various special initiatives and programs to support the MS community. This month’s awareness campaign, “Empowered from the Start with MSAA,” focuses on providing resources and self-advocacy strategies for individuals who are newly diagnosed with MS. With nearly one million people in the United States living with multiple sclerosis, MSAA recognizes the importance of education, reassurance, and support throughout one’s MS journey. MSAA invites the MS community to participate in the various upcoming virtual activities this month, including:

• Podcast mini-series, “If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis,” featuring members of the MS community sharing their personal stories and experiences with navigating their MS diagnoses. In addition, MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer, Barry Hendin, MD, discusses tips and strategies for communicating with one’s healthcare team as well as the importance of overall well-being. MSAA Podcast episodes can be accessed on any streaming platform, or by visiting MyMSAA.org/podcasts.
  
  
• Live educational webinar, “Navigating Your MS Journey,” eaturing Dr. Jakai Nolan McEwen. Join MSAA on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET for an insightful webinar designed to guide newly diagnosed individuals through their MS journey. This webinar will provide key strategies for understanding and managing symptoms, exploring treatment options, and finding vital support necessary for navigating life with MS.
  
  
• Launch of the 2025 – 2026 digital MSAA Art Showcase celebrating the inspiring artwork of more than 85 artists diagnosed with multiple sclerosis throughout the country. Twelve selected artists and their work will be spotlighted as Artists of the Month throughout the year.
  
  
• Weekly posts on MSAA’s MS Conversations blog, providing resources and self-advocacy tips for newly diagnosed individuals. Blog posts will bring attention to the importance of building a support system as well as developing coping strategies throughout one’s MS journey.

To access information and resources provided by MSAA during MS Awareness Month, or to register for our events, please visit the MS Awareness Month hub page.

To learn more about MS Awareness Month and MSAA’s scheduled activities, please contact Diana Cruz, Manager of Public Relations & Engagement at (800) 532-7667, ext. 103, or via email at dcruz@mymsaa.org.  

About MSAA         
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides numerous programs and services at no cost including: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including,  The Motivator magazine; educational videos, webinars, and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; safety and mobility equipment products; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; MS Conversations blog; a clinical trial search tool; podcasts; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.       

About Multiple Sclerosis         
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression and cognitive issues, and various levels of impaired mobility. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis is estimated at nearly one million people nationwide and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50. MS is not contagious, and researchers continue to look for both a cause and a cure.