Latest news with #MSAwarenessMonth
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Pair of events to boost funds for multiple sclerosis research during MS Awareness Month
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Businesses around Fort St. John will be hosting events in an effort to raise funds in the battle against multiple sclerosis (MS) during MS Awareness Month. A neurological disease of the central nervous system, MS affects approximately 90,000 people across Canada, according to the MS Canada website. Sherri Mytopher is the organizer of MS-related events in the Peace region and an ambassador for MS Canada. For her, the disease hits close to home. It was back in 2013 when Mytopher experienced numbness in her body, starting with her back and eventually 'from her shoulder to her right foot.' It would be another several months, during which an MRI scan occurred, before a diagnosis of MS was given. She began holding fundraisers with The Canadian Brewhouse back in 2017, including annual pub nights. 'It does vary day to day. Some days are great and some days aren't,' said Mytopher. 'Numbness is one of my predominant symptoms that I have all the time, numbness and the pain. 'It can vary from fatigue to slurred speech, some cognitive and memory issues, bad balance, those are the things that I experience more commonly than not.' MS is a disease where symptoms and duration vary between each patient, and 43 is the average age of diagnosis. In Fort St. John on Saturday, May 24th, a pub night will be held at The Canadian Brewhouse on 9203 100th Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A ticket can be purchased for $30, which includes a Canadian burger and fries. An MS silent auction will be held during the evening. For every ticket purchased, $10 will go toward MS research. On Sunday, May 25th, an MS walk will be held starting at the Pomeroy Sports Centre at 9324 96th Street, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will walk around the city block, approximately one kilometre, beginning at 11 a.m. One week later on Friday, April 30th, a BBQ fundraiser will be hosted by KJA Ventures which promises attendees a day of 'food, music and community fun.' Mytopher says it was through regular conversations with KJA Ventures' owner Jason Aligour, who has participated in donating to the pub night since its beginning. '[Aligour] actually reached out to me this year to say 'we've never done a barbecue,' said Mytopher. 'It happened that he wanted to do it on [May] 30th, and I said, 'hey, that's World MS Day. So it was perfect timing.'' The BBQ will be by donation, with all the proceeds going toward MS research. Mytopher's advocacy has led to initiatives such as a fundraising drive at Olive Tree, which is donating $1 from every order throughout May to MS Canada, or at Audilicious, where $5 from each burger sold goes to MS research as well. She's also spoken to councils in Dawson Creek, Hudson's Hope, Pouce Coupe and Fort St. John, which has recognized May as MS Awareness Month and has raised the flags outside municipal buildings. 'I initially started with the walk, the community just rallies around,' said Mytopher. 'The last eight years I've built good relationships with so many people in this community. 'It's really great to have that support and then have that visual too [to say] our city is on board with this as well. I think those things, that's all we can do. Just keep being out there and in the face and help raise awareness for MS.' Information about the events is available on Peace Region MS events' Facebook page. To purchase tickets for the pub night, please call Mytopher at (250) 263-8058.
Campaign ME
28-03-2025
- Health
- Campaign ME
NMSS' Move for MS campaign uses Snap AR to shed light on multiple sclerosis
In line with MS Awareness Month, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in collaboration with Snap, has launched its Move for MS campaign, which includes an interactive step challenge powered by the Snap Camera. Coupled with the launch of Snap's step counter augmented reality (AR) experience in the region, the initiative encourages people across the UAE to learn important facts about multiple sclerosis (MS), and explore how they can get involved and support the MS community by taking part in a competitive walking challenge. The Lens encourages Snapchatters to complete a step challenge, unlocking key facts about MS at each milestone around symptoms, its prevalence in the UAE, and the importance of early diagnosis. To enhance participation, the Lens also links back to a leaderboard feature, which highlights users who complete the highest number of steps, introducing an element of friendly competition. More than just education, the campaign sets out to build a conversation around multiple sclerosis, encouraging Snapchatters to share with friends and family to expand their reach and make a real difference. Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director at NMSS, said, 'True impact is never achieved alone, it takes collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to change. At NMSS, we recognise that awareness is a crucial first step, we are excited to partner with platforms like Snapchat that allow us to reach a younger, digitally connected audience in engaging and immersive ways.' 'By combining our mission with their technology, we aim to raise awareness about MS, foster empathy, and inspire action. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and purpose can unite to drive social change, ensuring that more people understand MS and feel motivated to support those affected by it,' Alexandrian said. Multiple sclerosis awareness Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and symptoms vary widely from person to person, making early diagnosis and awareness essential. With the prevalence of MS rising in the Middle East, the UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone, underscoring the increased need for awareness and education. As part of the NMSS Move for MS campaign – an initiative designed to inspire movement as a way to raise awareness for MS – this collaboration leveraged Snapchat's reach in the region, where users visit the platform an average of 45 times per day, ensuring enhanced awareness to a highly connected audience. Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA, said, 'We believe technology has the power to drive positive change, and we are proud to partner with NMSS to raise awareness for such an important cause.' 'Snapchat is a place where people come to share moments with those they care about most and now, we're extending that sense of closeness to include the causes they care about too. By using AR in an interactive and engaging way, we're not just educating the community about MS; we're empowering them to take action. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leveraging innovation for meaningful impact, and we look forward to driving positive change, one step at a time,' Freijeh added. Snap's Step Counter Lens operates without GPS tracking, offering a private, movement-based experience. Combining Snap's latest Leaderboard feature, the Lens will allow Snapchatters to enhance their journey and share their progress, spreading more awareness in the process. The initiative is powered by Snap's AR technology, which has evolved since it first arrived on the platform, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool that creates real impact. Now, more than 80 per cent of Snap's users in the UAE interact with AR Lenses daily, and the platform has indicated that it is on a mission to further use the technology to drive positive social impact.
Web Release
25-03-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Move for MS: Snap Inc. and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society launch AR campaign to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis
In line with MS Awareness Month, Snap Inc., in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), has introduced an interactive step challenge with the launch of Snap's first-ever regional step counter augmented reality (AR) experience powered by the Snap Camera. The initiative encourages people across the UAE to learn important facts about multiple sclerosis (MS), and explore how they can get involved and support the MS community by taking part in a competitive walking challenge. With the prevalence of MS rising in the Middle East, the UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone, underscoring the increased need for awareness and education. MS is a chronic, unpredictable condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and symptoms vary widely from person to person, making early diagnosis and awareness essential. As part of the society's Move for MS campaign – an initiative designed to inspire movement as a way to raise awareness for MS – this collaboration leverages Snapchat's vast reach in the region, where users visit the platform an average of 45 times per day, ensuring enhanced awareness to a highly connected audience. Snap is also home to a large creator ecosystem, which will also be taking part in the step challenge, driving further engagement. The Lens encourages Snapchatters to complete a step challenge, unlocking key facts about MS at each milestone around symptoms, its prevalence in the UAE, and the importance of early diagnosis. To enhance participation, the Lens also links back to a leaderboard feature, which highlights users who complete the highest number of steps, introducing an element of friendly competition. More than just education, the initiative is setting out to build a conversation around MS, encouraging Snapchatters to share with friends and family to expand their reach and make a real difference. 'At Snap, we believe technology has the power to drive positive change, and we are proud to partner with NMSS to raise awareness for such an important cause,' said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA 'Snapchat is a place where people come to share moments with those they care about most and now, we're extending that sense of closeness to include the causes they care about too. By using AR in an interactive and engaging way, we're not just educating the community about MS; we're empowering them to take action. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leveraging innovation for meaningful impact, and we look forward to driving positive change, one step at a time.' Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director at NMSS, said : 'True impact is never achieved alone, it takes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to change. At NMSS, we recognize that awareness is a crucial first step, we are excited to partner with platforms like Snapchat that allow us to reach a younger, digitally connected audience in engaging and immersive ways. By combining our mission with their technology, we aim to raise awareness about MS, foster empathy, and inspire action. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and purpose can unite to drive social change, ensuring that more people understand MS and feel motivated to support those affected by it.' Snap's Step Counter Lens operates without GPS tracking, offering a private and seamless, movement-based experience. Combining Snap's latest Leaderboard feature, the Lens will allow Snapchatters to enhance their journey and share their progress, spreading more awareness in the process. The initiative is powered by Snap's AR technology, which has significantly evolved since it first arrived on the platform, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool that creates real impact. Augmented Reality, defined as digital content overlaid on the real world, represents the next major shift in computing, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Snap Inc. continues to push the boundaries of AR innovation, and with over 80% of users in the UAE interacting with AR Lenses daily, the platform is on a mission to further use the technology to drive positive social impact. For more information on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and to discover the many ways you can contribute to the MS community in the UAE, visit: . Scan the Snapcode below to Move for MS:
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Snap Inc. and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society launch AR campaign to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis
Abu Dhabi, UAE – In line with MS Awareness Month, Snap Inc., in collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), has introduced an interactive step challenge with the launch of Snap's first-ever regional step counter augmented reality (AR) experience powered by the Snap Camera. The initiative encourages people across the UAE to learn important facts about multiple sclerosis (MS), and explore how they can get involved and support the MS community by taking part in a competitive walking challenge. With the prevalence of MS rising in the Middle East, the UAE has transitioned into a moderately high-risk zone, underscoring the increased need for awareness and education. MS is a chronic, unpredictable condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and symptoms vary widely from person to person, making early diagnosis and awareness essential. As part of the society's Move for MS campaign - an initiative designed to inspire movement as a way to raise awareness for MS - this collaboration leverages Snapchat's vast reach in the region, where users visit the platform an average of 45 times per day, ensuring enhanced awareness to a highly connected audience. Snap is also home to a large creator ecosystem, which will also be taking part in the step challenge, driving further engagement. The Lens encourages Snapchatters to complete a step challenge, unlocking key facts about MS at each milestone around symptoms, its prevalence in the UAE, and the importance of early diagnosis. To enhance participation, the Lens also links back to a leaderboard feature, which highlights users who complete the highest number of steps, introducing an element of friendly competition. More than just education, the initiative is setting out to build a conversation around MS, encouraging Snapchatters to share with friends and family to expand their reach and make a real difference. "At Snap, we believe technology has the power to drive positive change, and we are proud to partner with NMSS to raise awareness for such an important cause," said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA "Snapchat is a place where people come to share moments with those they care about most and now, we're extending that sense of closeness to include the causes they care about too. By using AR in an interactive and engaging way, we're not just educating the community about MS; we're empowering them to take action. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leveraging innovation for meaningful impact, and we look forward to driving positive change, one step at a time." Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director at NMSS, said: 'True impact is never achieved alone, it takes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to change. At NMSS, we recognize that awareness is a crucial first step, we are excited to partner with platforms like Snapchat that allow us to reach a younger, digitally connected audience in engaging and immersive ways. By combining our mission with their technology, we aim to raise awareness about MS, foster empathy, and inspire action. This partnership exemplifies how innovation and purpose can unite to drive social change, ensuring that more people understand MS and feel motivated to support those affected by it.' Snap's Step Counter Lens operates without GPS tracking, offering a private and seamless, movement-based experience. Combining Snap's latest Leaderboard feature, the Lens will allow Snapchatters to enhance their journey and share their progress, spreading more awareness in the process. The initiative is powered by Snap's AR technology, which has significantly evolved since it first arrived on the platform, transitioning from fun, playful lenses to a powerful tool that creates real impact. Augmented Reality, defined as digital content overlaid on the real world, represents the next major shift in computing, which Snap believes is the healthiest, most compelling way to communicate. Snap Inc. continues to push the boundaries of AR innovation, and with over 80% of users in the UAE interacting with AR Lenses daily, the platform is on a mission to further use the technology to drive positive social impact. For more information on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and to discover the many ways you can contribute to the MS community in the UAE, visit: Scan the Snapcode below to Move for MS: About Snap Inc. Snap is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company's three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and it's AR glasses, Spectacles. For more information, visit Media Contact: 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 organisations. 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 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: NMSS@
