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March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ’s Charities is celebrating the work of the , 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, whichÌýinclude: 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

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: comprehensive website, , , and more.

Assistive Equipment and Cooling Products

Many people with MS experience difficulty with balance, coordination, mobility, and managing the heat. MSAA’s provides free, durable medical items such as shower chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs to help improve a person’s safety and mobility. In addition, their 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 Ìýassists 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? to have your employer contact our team.) You can also to donate via credit card on MSAA’s website now.

What Can Your Donation Provide?

• $1.92/pay periodÌý($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 periodÌý($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.
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