ELLIE'S BLOG on Living Well with MS

Well MS World Day is finally here!   And there are over 200 events in 61 countries.

Here in the United States the MS Society is calling for National Healthcare Reform and to include the MS Society's Health Principles. In Romania and the Netherland's they are having a Global Dinner Party.  In Portugal it's a Sing for MS . In Norway it's a Research Conference. In Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Canada they having a "Roll for MS "( a cycle motorbike event )

Each country is having its own events. But they are all for the same international cause of helping to increase the awareness of MS globally .The issues that people with MS face are the same everywhere and globally. As Prof Alan Thompson, Director, Institute of Neurology, UK and Chairman, Multiple Sclerosis International Federation?s International Medical and Scientific Board correctly states:

?People with MS have complex needs and at the moment these are not being adequately met anywhere in the world.?

• Remember that Globally, at any point in time, around 30 people in 100,000 have been diagnosed with MS.

 
So what are these issues? 

The Issues affecting people with MS across the world include:

• Lack of social support
• Lack of public information and education about MS
• Lack of access to availability of disease-modifying treatments and other therapies
• Issues related to employment
• Health insurance and social security issues

U2 have contributed their song "Beautiful Day" , which will be featured on a global campaign film highlighting different aspects of MS. This film will be available in 10 languages. To see the film and other information on World MS day go to :             www.worldmsday.org 

Below are some of the quotes from other celebrities about MS

Argentina: Lionel Andrés Messi, FC Barcelona, Footballer
?Whenever I go out to the field, whenever I kick the ball and whenever I run to catch it, every step and every effort I make will be a tribute to the people who live with a much more difficult challenge, to fight every day against MS.?

India: Milind Soman, Bollywood actor
?All of us have to globally join hands to improve the quality of life of people affected by MS. We should all work in cooperation to achieve worldwide solidarity for the MS movement.?

Portugal: Mário Laginha, Pianist and Compositor
?We like to think that we are invulnerable and that we will not get a disease like MS. Nevertheless, some of us or our loved ones will be affected by it. If everybody is aware of this and shows their support, then maybe we can make a giant step towards the discovering a cure. That is what I wish.?

Spain: Josep Guardiola, Football coach, FC Barcelona
?Imagine that one day you get up and your body does not respond to the orders of your brain. Imagine fighting every day to do what you want without having to think about it. Imagine this and tell me if it is not worth supporting the fight against MS. Join us!?

USA: Clay Walker, Multi-platinum recording artist
?Join me in supporting the first World MS Day and together, through international collaboration, we will help researchers find the answer to end MS.?

Meanwhile, eight people will climb six of Ireland's mountains in 72 hours. And Lori Schneider, USA, who has MS has reached the summit of Mount Everest.  Check details on her site at :                      www.empowermentthroughadventure.com

                                                                            ellie