Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

www.msfocus.org

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This year, MS Focus is celebrating 35 years of service to the MS community. We would be honored if you can tell us how we might have helped you. Send us a comment or a direct message, thanks!

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Join Dr. Maria Houtchens as she discusses women’s health for women with multiple sclerosis. To attend this free Zoom conference on Tues. Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, pre-register at https://msfocus.us/NovHout.

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How should you handle making a decision between two risk factors?  Matt Cavallo says, "I Am Scared of My Next Treatment," and shares how it feels when his need for MS treatment competes with his need for social distancing.  Read his thoughts in our newest exclusive in MS Focus Magazine by visiting https://www.msfocusmagazine.org/Magazine/Magazine-Items/Exclusive-Content/2020/I-am-Scared-of-My-Next-Treatment

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Despite data showing women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with MS, little attention is focused on the MS symptoms that exclusively affect women.  Learn more about some of these effects for women with MS in our newest article in MS Focus Magazine by visiting the link.  

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Did you miss our May COVID-19 update conference? Check it out here! #multiplesclerosis

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A new video from Art Alexakis

The former frontman for Everclear, Art Alexakis, released this new video for his MS-inspired song, The Hot Water Test. Check it out!

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"The Centers for Disease Control recently altered their position on the public wearing masks. They are now suggesting everyone who must be in public wear a mask while also maintaining their distance of six feet or more from another person."

To read the full article on MS Focus Magazine from Darbi Haynes-Lawrence, click here: https://bit.ly/2yKQE6p

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Many people living with MS are concerned about #COVID19 and how their multiple sclerosis diagnosis and the DMT they receive will potentially put them at higher risk. Take a look at this graphic we put together for you explaining what you need to know about someone's immune system who lives with MS. 

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iConquerMS seeks participants for COVID-19 study

iConquerMS, together with researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, are conducting a study to understand how people living with MS have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Tremica was diagnosed with RRMS at 37 years old. Her initial diagnosis shocked her and left a successful professional woman depressed and hopeless. During what Tremica describes as a very low point in her life, she reached out to another woman living with MS. Their conversation left Tremica satisfied and lit a fire beneath her that continues to push her to reach all of her goals, despite multiple sclerosis. 

Today, Tremica is a professional development strategist and co-founded a non-profit organization that has assisted countess socioeconomically disadvantaged youth with higher education advocacy and life skill mentoring.  MS took away many of Tremica’s passions, but it also forced her to focus on what was most important. 

 Tremica says, “I didn’t openly share my MS story about a year ago. I was afraid that I would be judged and looked at with pity. I chose to share my story now to inspire and to help other people who hid as I did.”   Tremica wants those who are newly diagnosed or struggling with their diagnosis to know that their life is not over. “You still have a purpose and a destiny,” she says. “Find it, and fight for it from your new baseline.” 

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April is IBS Awareness Month. Many people living with MS experience bowel-related issues. If you are comfortable, comment below about how either #IBS or other bowel symptoms affect you and your life with MS.

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Staying active while living with MS is difficult, before even taking into account quarantine.  Join us tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST. for a conversation with Christopher Wells, E.P. on staying active while at home. There are many at-home exercises you can participate in. Chris will help you identify these movements and give you time to ask questions. 

To connect, dial 720-740-9380, or visit https://join.freeconferencecall.com/msfocus.

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We wanted to share with you some of our favorite images from our National MS Education and Awareness Month events.  Today may be the last day of march, but we will continue to make the MS community #visible moving forward. How are you visible? 

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We are only LESS THAN ONE HOUR AWAY from our teleconference. We will be having a discussion with Ben Thrower, M.D. Medical Director of the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at the Shepherd Center on MS and #COVID19. If you missed our first teleconference or did not get your question answered, please dial in. We will see you there! 

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Cynthia, who has progressive MS, says she has two support heroes, her sister, Brenda, and brother, Mike. She says, “Their dedication to help me enables me to remain at home and not have to go to an assisted living facility, which would break my heart.” 

 Who is your #MySupportHero? We are recognizing all of the unsung heroes who support the lives of those living with MS. 

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You will not believe it when she begins to sing! Listen to "A Hot MS," belt her heart out and speak about #COVID19 and the lessons this #pandemic can give us. Her ultimate message is to slow down and enjoy the #time we now have. 

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BeVisible with us this evening for a National MS Awareness Month teleconference. Do you feel misunderstood or invisible from your carepartner? This teleconference will help you fix this. Connect by dialing 720-740-9380, or join online by visiting, https://buff.ly/2T7varU.