FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chapter Announces 2007 Top Ten Reasons To Join The Movement

The National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter serves residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families in the following counties: Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex and New Haven.

HARTFORD, Conn. In conjunction with National MS Awareness Week to be held March 5 through March 11, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter has released its 2007 Top Ten list of ways to become actively involved with the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS).

Entitled the Top Ten Ways To Join The Movement, the list offers a variety of ways to become involved with the National MS Society and to move MS research and awareness forward. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease. It's generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms can range from numbness in the limbs, loss of vision and, in severe cases, complete paralysis. The progression, severity, and specific symptoms related to MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatments are providing hope to those affected by the disease. Funds raised at chapter events ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents affected by MS.

The list outlining ways to become actively involved in the fight against MS includes:

•  Join a movement. Become an activist for people with MS. Contact programs@ConnecticutfightsMS.org and join other passionate activists for MS Lobby Day at the State Capitol Building on Wednesday, March 28.
• Volunteer. Make a difference. Volunteers are vital to the work of the National MS Society. The chapter welcomes and embraces volunteers with a wide range of talents and skills. To volunteer to assist at the 2007 Travelers MS Walk on Sunday, April 22, please contact programs@ctfightsMS.org.
• Make a call. Contact your local mayor. The nation will recognize MS Awareness Week on March 5 through March 11. Encourage your local mayor to make a proclamation officially recognizing MS Awareness Week in your hometown.
• Educate yourself. Learn about the disease. The Greater Connecticut Chapter provides a wide range of educational opportunities throughout the year. To learn more about moving your life forward despite MS, contact programs@ctfightsMS.org.
• Lace Up & Step Out. Unite with more than 7,000 other Connecticut neighbors and show your support for those living with MS by stepping out for the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, presented by United HealthGroup. This exciting fundraiser will be held at eight sites throughout Connecticut on Sunday, April 22, and at a ninth site on Sunday, April 29. Registration is FREE. To register, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
• Donate. There is no cure for MS but you can help. Funds donated to the chapter ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered to Connecticut residents living with MS. To donate online, go to www.ctfightsMS.org. For more information on giving, please e-mail kpreston@ctfightsMS.org.
• Reach out. Educate your community. If you are a member of a civic organization, club or group, the Greater Connecticut Chapter is available to speak about MS and related issues at meetings and gatherings, including health fairs. To request a speaker, please e-mail prdept@ctfightsMS.org..
• Tell your story. Give a face to MS. Go to www.facesofms.org, an online community dedicated to building a global face of MS. Those impacted by multiple sclerosis are invited and encouraged to give personal accounts of life with MS. Connecticut residents can also share stories and help raise awareness by visiting www.ctfightMS.org and clicking on “Tell Your Story.”
• Take care of yourself. Seek a balance. Learn more about resources and programs for people who live with or care about someone with MS.  Join a support group in your community. For a complete list of Connecticut-based MS support groups, please contact programs@ctfightsMS.org.
• Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Donate.  MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn't. Join The Movement at www.ctfightsMS.org.

     “We are passionate about ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis,” said Karen E. Butler, vice president of communications. “This list outlines ten ways Connecticut residents can join in the fight against the disease. If we are to end the devastating effects of MS, it will take everyone. We must unite on behalf of those in our state battling MS.”

The National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter is committed to ensuring that those with MS have access to the information and quality care they need to live healthy, productive and independent lives. Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with MS. For more information on MS, treatments and programs and services offered by the chapter, please go to www.ctfightsMS.org or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org. For more information on the 2007 Top Ten ways to Join The Movement, please visit the chapter newsroom at www.ctfightsMS.org.

2/22/07

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
tel +1.860.714.2300
cell +1.860.997.4487
 
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
ctfightsMS.org