Why this cause?

My name is Linda Martins - Mann, and I am just one volunteer who is trying to help over 400,000 American's diagnosed with MS. I strive everyday in volunteering to help further the mission of the MSAA "to enrich the quality of life for everyone affected by MS."
In reading this web page, I hope you are inspired to share my vision to help over 400,000 American's with MS. I compel you to make a worthy gift to the MSAA using the links on this page.
Over the past 10 years I have done fund-raisers every year to raise a lot of money for this cause. When I first started, I did the fund raiser because a very dear friend with whom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have met one new person every single year affected with Multiple Sclerosis after that. Because of that, this cause is very dear to my heart and I am asking that everyone please see it in your heart to donate to this cause. Every single dollar will count and help someone in need.

Approximately 400,000 individuals have been diagnosed with MS in the United States and as many as two and a half million worldwide, with an estimated 10,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States annually. Most people with MS experience their first symptoms and are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease. The body attacks the myelin which coats our nerves. When the body attacks the myelin inflammation occurs.
This is known as an attack. During this process electrical signals cannot transfer to where they need to go. (ex. walking, talking, thinking).

There is currently no cure! There are drugs available to help control the attacks.
There is no one drug that is 100% effective in the treatment of MS.
However, studies do show that early drug therapy is important.
Treating the symptoms of MS is vital to the quality of life.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes MS.
There are several theories such as; genetics, environment, diet or a virus.

Multiple sclerosis MS) is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults. Its causes are not yet fully understood and researchers continue to search for answers. MS is not contagious and does not shorten the life expectancy of those who are diagnosed with the disease. Although the disease may not be cured or prevented at this time, treatments are available to reduce severity and delay progression.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, optic nervesand spinal cord. This disorder damages the protective insulation (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves (known as axons), and may also damage theses nerves within the CNS. As a result, nerve impulses carrying messages from the brain and spinal cord may short circuit, causing reduced or lost bodily function.

The effects of MS differ with each individual. Some people experience symptoms for a short period of time and afterward may remain symptom-free for periods or months or years. While others may experience a more steady progression of the disease.

Most researchers believe MS is an autoimmune disease -- one in which white blood cells, meant to fight infection or disease, are misguided to target and attack the body's own cells. This attack causes inflammation in the CNS, which may damage the myelin and ultimately injure the nerves.

Areas of inflammation are known as "lesions" or "plaques." The changes in size, number, and location of these lesions may determine the type and severity of symptoms. Frequently, however, MS may be "clinically silent," showing no increase in symptoms while continuing to show signs of disease activity within the CNS.

Additionally, areas of thick scar tissue may eventually form along the areas of damaged myelin. The term "multiple sclerosis" originates from the discovery of these hardened plaques. Multiple refers to many; sclerosis refers to scars.

Researchers have studied a variety of possible causes for MS, and a combination of factors appears to be involved. A popular theory looks at commonly known slow-acting viruses (one that could remain dormant for many years), such as measles, herpes, human T-cell lymphoma, and Epstein-Barr. After being exposed to one of these viruses, some researchers theorize that MS may develop in genetically susceptible people. Research to identify the specific genes involved in MS is also ongoing.

Some scientists are looking for a connection between MS and nutritional factors, including fat intake, as well as deficiencies in fish oil and vitamin D. In addition to food and supplements, vitamin D is also derived from sunlight, which may be involved in the development of MS. As noted in the following section, populations living closer to the equator (and exposed to more sunlight) experience a lower incidence of MS.

If you would like to donate money to this very important cause, please go to the contact us link and click on the donate button.