March is MS Awareness Month: MSAA’s Commitment to Making a Difference in the Lives of People with Multiple Sclerosis

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and America’s Charities is celebrating the work of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), who we’re proud to call our member.

Since MS is ever changing, people must remain proactive and stay engaged in the conversation. MSAA offers several programs to support this effort, which include: a toll-free Helpline, the distribution of durable medical equipment and cooling vests, MRI assistance, publications, videos, educational programs, and other vital services.

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, which for many, can flare-up and then subside over the course of days, months, or even years. While MS is not contagious, its causes are not yet fully understood and researchers continue to search for answers.

Receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and living with the disease can be challenging and life changing.

Fortunately, MSAA helps improve lives today through vital services and support, including:

Toll-free Helpline & Chat

MSAA’s Helpline allows individuals with MS, family members, and friends, to connect directly with trained specialists who can answer questions, provide resources, and offer guidance and reassurance. MSAA’s Helpline may be reached by calling (800) 532-7667 extension 154, emailing MSquestions@mymsaa.org, or engaging in the live MS Chat website option.

Educational Resources

Through a wide array of print and digital formats, MSAA provides current and easy-to-understand information as well as useful tools to help people living with MS and their families. MSAA’s resources include: mymsaa.org comprehensive website, publications and magazine, videos, and more.

Assistive Equipment and Cooling Products

Many people with MS experience difficulty with balance, coordination, mobility, and managing the heat. MSAA’s Equipment Distribution Program provides free, durable medical items such as shower chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs to help improve a person’s safety and mobility. In addition, their Cooling Distribution Program supplies free cooling vests and accessories that provide several hours of cooling relief for improved quality of life and participation in outdoor activities.

MRI Access Program

The MRI Access Program assists individuals who are uninsured or under-insured acquire a cranial (brain) or c-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam to help determine a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or evaluate current MS disease progression.

Support MSAA Through Workplace Giving:

As MSAA’s workplace giving partner, we encourage you to support MSAA’s important work with a donation. One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support MSAA is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.) You can also click here to donate via credit card on MSAA’s website now.

What Can Your Donation Provide?

• $1.92/pay period ($50/year) = provides a shower chair for an individual with multiple sclerosis to support bathroom safety
• $2.88/pay period ($75/year) = offers a four-wheel walker with seat to a person living with MS to increase his/her mobility
• $4.62/pay period ($120/year) = provides a manual wheelchair to a person living with MS to enhance their independence and quality of life
• $5.77/pay period ($150/year) = provides a specially designed cooling vest to an individual with multiple sclerosis, which helps reduce heat stress – a common and debilitating symptom of MS

*Pay period calculations are based on a bi-weekly pay period resulting in 26 paychecks in a year.