Latest news with #MSAwareness
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
NMSS and Erth Zayed Philanthropies sign AED 25mln grant agreement to mark World MS Day
Strategic collaboration to drive the UAE's national MS agenda. Abu Dhabi – The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a strategic agreement with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to advance its national multiple sclerosis (MS) agenda. As part of this agreement, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will contribute AED 25 million to support NMSS in delivering its core priorities, including advancing UAE's first National Coalition for MS, a multi-sector platform to improve care, research, and inclusion across the country. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and a representative from Erth Zayed Philanthropies during a formal ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The announcement of this strategic agreement coincides with World MS Day, marked this year under the global theme 'My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together,' which highlights the importance of early detection and community support. This year, Erth Zayed Philanthropies joins the National Coalition for MS as a founding partner, marking a pivotal step in the UAE's efforts to advance equitable MS care and inclusion. This strategic partnership reinforces the UAE's commitment to enhancing MS care, accelerating research, and advancing equity, catalyzing broader multi-sector engagement to shape a more inclusive and transformative national response. Coalition members include Sanofi, Axios International, PureHealth and Manzil Healthcare Services, each playing a vital role in advancing care, awareness, and system-wide impact. Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: 'The establishment of the National Coalition for MS is a defining step in our mission to drive equitable access to MS care. This work is inspired by the legacy of our late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access to quality care for all. It is sustained by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose commitment continues to shape the future of health and reinforce the UAE's position as a global leader in innovative, people-centered healthcare. 'On World MS Day, we are proud to join the international community, not only in raising awareness, but in taking meaningful, coordinated action that has the potential to transform outcomes for people living with MS. Today, we are laying the foundations for long-term impact rooted in compassion, powered by collaboration, and guided by a shared responsibility to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life.' The grant from Erth Zayed Philanthropies will directly support NMSS in delivering on its key priorities and enabling the National Coalition for MS to address the most pressing challenges faced by people living with MS in the UAE. First announced on World MS Day in 2024, the National Coalition for MS was convened by NMSS to bring together government entities, healthcare providers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions under a unified national agenda for MS. The Coalition's priorities for 2025-2026 are focused on improving access to patient support resources, promoting inclusive workplace policies, strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals through specialized training, increasing public understanding of MS to enable earlier diagnosis, and ensuring long-term sustainability through coordinated fundraising and investment in research. Together, these priorities form an action-oriented framework designed to mobilize resources, strengthen inclusion across sectors, and ensure that the UAE is a world leader in MS care. As the Coalition moves into its implementation phase, its priorities will continue to be shaped by the voices and experiences of the MS community, ensuring that their needs, priorities, and aspirations drive every step of the journey. Anchored in shared responsibility and measurable impact, the Coalition's members are onboarded to lead or contribute to key initiatives, with defined commitments that span one to two years depending on the scope of work. The Coalition's priorities reflect a commitment to evidence-based solutions. Since its establishment, NMSS has invested AED 6.5 million in MS research, with the next NMSS research grant cycle set to launch on 23 June 2025. As the Coalition transitions into its implementation phase, NMSS continues to call on stakeholders across sectors, from policymakers and healthcare institutions to academic bodies and donors, to join this pivotal movement. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a UAE-based NGO created to better the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS. NMSS is governed by a board of trustees, advised by a local and international Strategic Advisory Committee and Medical Advisory Committee, and supported by MS ambassadors and volunteers. Together, they ensure that people living with MS have access to high-quality care and get the guidance they need through reliable resources. NMSS works with leading national medical institutions and renowned global partners to build a trusted network of healthcare providers and support organizations. The society aims to raise awareness of MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE, and provide support and resources for individuals affected by MS. For more information about MS and the NMSS, please visit Visit the NMSS's official social media platforms for the most recent updates and insights. Instagram: NMSsocietyUAE Facebook: National MS Society UAE LinkedIn: National Multiple Sclerosis Society UAE YouTube: NMSSocietyUAE X: NMSsocietyUAE For media inquiries, please contact: Miral Zalabani Account Director NMSS@ About Erth Zayed Philanthropies Erth Zayed Philanthropies is a network foundation established in November 2024 to coordinate and strengthen the UAE's philanthropic efforts worldwide. Operating from Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the Foundation is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. Erth Zayed Philanthropies promotes philanthropy as a catalyst, complementing other forms of aid. Its affiliates deliver initiatives across the UAE and in more than 90 countries, focusing on community service, healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, agriculture and food security, and economic empowerment. Through direct programmes, strategic partnerships, and catalytic funds, the Foundation supports long-term, values-led solutions to humanitarian and development challenges.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Colorado woman runs 189 miles to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis
While a lot of people are relaxing on Memorial Day weekend, one Colorado woman is spending her week raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis by running further than some people will run in their lives. Megan Gage is thankful for every step she takes, and this week she will be taking a lot of them. "I've trained for a long time, and I'm excited that it's finally here," said Gage. "The goal is to save some of the energy by giving less than I'm capable of, so that over the course of a week, I have gas left in the tank." The Castle Rock woman is running 189 miles from Denver's Sloan Lake to the Colorado-Nebraska state line. By 6 am on Sunday, she already had four under her belt, and she says she feels good. "Last night I felt calm. The night before that, I was a mess," said Gage. She is on this journey to raise money for and awareness about multiple sclerosis and multiple sclerosis research. A cause that is important to her because five years ago she was diagnosed with the disease. "My future turned gray where it's like all the color is instantly sucked out," said Gage. Initially, she was frightened because the autoimmune disease had the potential to strip her of all her movement and lead to her eventual death. But after running a half marathon shortly after diagnosis, she decided to take her health into her own hands as much as possible. Megan Gage sits in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Megan Gage She started running and eventually joined Team MS Run the US on their annual run across the United States. This week, she is running her leg of the cross-country effort. She's been training for months now, but even that hasn't been without challenges. Just a few weeks ago, she came down with COVID, which is a little more difficult for her. "One of the main treatments for MS compromises your immune system and when you don't have any B-cells, it makes it much harder to fight off basic things like COVID," said Gage. "But I missed one run in seven months. So, I think that I showed up enough that I think I'm going to be okay." She is making her way to Wray, Colorado to prove to herself and her community that with the right attitude and support, you can overcome anything. Megan Gage celebrates finishing a race. The Colorado woman is now running 189 miles to raise money and awareness about multiple sclerosis. Megan Gage "My people have shown up. They've donated. They've supported, you know, bracelets and bumblebees and just little mementos to know that I have my people with me. It's meant everything," said Gage. She'll finish her leg in seven days, and she's hoping to reach her 15,000 fundraising goal by then.
WebMD
22-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
The Internet's Best Advice for MS
What's the best advice you've ever gotten about living with multiple sclerosis (MS)? What one piece of advice would you give a friend who has just been diagnosed? Over 40 years, I've received and given out lots of advice on living well with chronic illness. I wrote a book about it called The Art of Getting Well. I've read other books written by folks with MS and learned from all of them. Last month, I asked the WebMD MS Facebook community what was the best advice they would give someone with MS. Bottom line: There is no one best piece of advice for everyone. I have learned that the best advice varies from time to time, and person to person. But wait! Now there is artificial intelligence (AI), bringing all the advice of the internet together in one list. You can see it on Google, and most of it seems right to me. Maybe we don't need human advice anymore. Or do we? Let's look at what the WebMD Facebook MS community says, compare it with Google's AI-generated list, and see what works for us in the real world. Community Ideas People posted so much great advice. Most common: 'Listen to your body.' 'Get enough rest.' 'Keep moving.' 'Take one day at a time.' 'Don't listen to everything your friends and relatives tell you.' 'Stay as positive as you can.' 'Discover your own limits.' People disagreed about limits, with some saying push through them, and others saying stop when you get close to your limits. I'm with the latter group. Several people advised getting on medicine as soon as you are diagnosed. Others cited the importance of a healthy diet and reducing stress. Many highlighted patience as key to living well. One said, 'If it doesn't get done today, it can get done tomorrow.' And someone else commented, 'Find something good in every day.' I agree with most of their advice. But how does our community, a bunch of lay people, stack up against the wisdom of the entire internet as found by AI? AI's Top Advice Here's what AI had to say (in boldface), followed by my own comments. Healthy diet. Well of course! But what does 'healthy diet' mean? I would agree with some in our community that it means 'no sugar.' But others recommend eating a lot of high-nutrition food, like vegetables and proteins in large quantities. Accept that you have a significant illness. Denial won't do you any good. You may not be able to do everything you used to do or want to do, and that's OK. Acceptance may take a while, though. Exercise. At your own pace. Reduce stress. I would add: Learn to cope with it better, too. In our place and time, stress isn't going to disappear. Avoid alcohol. At least in excess. Get more and better sleep. This is crucial in any chronic illness. Learn sleep hygiene, and modify your environment or schedule, if possible, to make sleep easier. Reach out for help. To people you know and professionals. Don't be afraid to ask. Most people like to help, even strangers. Avoid MS symptom triggers. This is easier said than done. First, you have to identify what and who your triggers are. For many of us, that includes heat, over-thinking, and fatigue, but each of us needs to find their own. Conserve energy. Take frequent breaks. Don't overschedule and don't multitask. Customize your environment! This is so important. Make your spaces as comfortable and accessible as you can. Don't wait too long to get into an accessible place. Deal with depression. With self-care, therapy, life change, or medication. Don't delay MS treatment. OK, here's one place I disagree with you. In my opinion, we should each take our time and do some research before starting a new drug. Eat fiber-rich foods. Yay vegetables! Keep moving. I read this as different from 'Exercise.' Our capacity and opportunity for movement becomes less as MS gets worse. But we should take our opportunities to move in whatever way we can. Stretch or move frequently instead of sitting quietly in one place working or being entertained. Also, as someone commented, 'Keep moving mentally and spiritually.' Movement is life. Keep the brain constantly active. Another place the internet is wrong, IMO. Keeping the brain active is good, but not constantly. Meditation. It seems impossible at first, but it gets easier and more helpful. It will calm us and often brings insights we can use. Practice good sleep hygiene! It said this already (which I notice sometimes happens with AI), but it's worth repeating: Get More Sleep. Take it easy on yourself. Judging yourself is never helpful, but when you have MS, it's ridiculous! Who are you comparing yourself to? Your pre-MS self? It's hard to avoid, and it's OK to grieve, but give yourself a break! Several times a day. Track your symptoms. Learn what makes you better and what makes you worse. Write it down. Then act accordingly. Stop smoking. Looking over AI's list, I appreciate what AI and the internet can do. Still, they left a number of important things out. I guess AI won't make your doctor or my blog irrelevant any time soon. If you have things to add, consider posting them in our Facebook community.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hundreds attend ‘Walk MS: Longmeadow' to raise funds and awareness
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Community members rallied together to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Nearly 400 people showed that people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are not alone. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 'Walk MS: Longmeadow' raises awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease. Fight at Amherst Regional Middle School prompts shelter-in-place, ongoing investigation About one million people live with MS in the United States. It's unpredictable, and often disabling, but there are resources through the National MS Society, like Walk MS, that help people affected live their best lives. One walker shared why she chose to participate. 'I'm walking because I was recently diagnosed with MS, and I figured this would be a great way to feel supported by the community,' said Degenais Romero of Holyoke. Romero's relatives also weighed in on their impact. 'It means a lot because it shows how you're supportive, and how everyone's come together,' said Fabian Morales of West Springfield. 'It's a community thing.' Another attendee was diagnosed nearly 12 years ago, and she said having her village by her side makes all the difference. 'It's a daily fight, and I'm just so happy and blessed to have everybody during this journey,' said Marlaina Ray of Wilbraham. Organizers said they expect walkers to raise nearly $70,000 for the National MS Society throughout Saturday's event. They were seen waving paddles showing their connection to the disease, whether they're living with MS or supporting a loved one. Sidewalks were full of orange, the color for MS Awareness, with each step towards the finish line and one step closer to finding a cure. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
