MS Society

Archive for the ‘CCSVI’ Category

Following a research project at the MS Society of Canada in 2009 looking at social innovation and youth, the Society acknowledged and concluded that their traditional service delivery model did not fully capture, engage or support youth in a comprehensive and age-appropriate way.

They set out on a course to change that and in late early 2010 began developing an MS youth strategy to address ways in which they could better support Canadian youth impacted by multiple sclerosis. Since that time, the MS Society has identified a new MS youth ambassador, Aaron Solowoniuk who is the drummer from the band Billy Talent. Aaron is a philanthropist, fundraiser and agent of social change who is passionate about the MS cause.

Diagnosed in 1998 with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, Aaron has supported young Canadians living with MS by raising funds and building awareness through his involvement in art shows, golf tournaments and rock concerts around the world.

In addition, the MS Society since recruited and convened a National MS Youth Advisory Group comprised of youth and young adults impacted by MS. The goal of the MS Youth Advisory Group is:

• to bring the voice of youth and young adults to the organization that provides meaningful opportunities to provide guidance and feedback
• to create a forum for young Canadians living with MS to work in a youth friendly environment that respects and values their opinions and input
• to involve young Canadians living with MS in aspects of decision making for youth initiatives developed by the MS Society of Canada that is informational and educational

The MS Society of Canada remains committed to supporting young Canadians whose lives have been impacted by MS through this new on-line community and innovative new resources and activities that will be explored in the coming years.

Visit the site at www.someonelikeme.ca 
 

Durham Regional Chapter's June 2011 issue of Multiple Solutions Newsletter.

We invite you to join MS Discuss! An online forum for those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Welcome to the MS Discuss message board, a place where you can connect with other people who have common experiences and concerns! After all, no one knows more about what it’s like to have MS than other people living with it.

Why World MS Day?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease. It is one of the most common disabling neurological conditions amongst young adults in the northern hemisphere. Over 2,000,000 people in the world have MS. The aims of world MS day are to raise awareness and mobilise the global movement.

About World MS Day

World MS Day was launched on 27 May 2009 with over 200 events in 67 countries. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about MS and to strengthen the network of people living with MS across the world

World MS Day in previous years

World MS Day 2009 and 2010 were great successes with activities taking place in more than 60 countries worldwide. These photos represent the highlights from the past two years. To read about the activities why not take a look at the ‘news’ section of the site.

SIGN THE PETITION

On May 11, 2011, the MS Society of Canada hosted the annual MS Research Teleconference. This year, Dr. Paul O’Connor discussed the latest in MS research including CCSVI and took questions from callers.

Download the MP3

May is MS Awareness Month, and its time for real change that will directly benefit Ontarians living with MS and their families. During May, and in preparation for the 2011 provincial election, the MS Society is pressing Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) for commitments on three important issues:
 

• Funding to find answers on a possible MS treatment for narrowed veins (CCSVI)
• Work place supports for family caregivers
• Funding for an Ontario Brain Strategy

 
Early action on these commitments would ensure a clinical trial of a possible new approach to treating narrowed veins proceeds quickly, if and when scientific evidence shows one is warranted. It would also mean that caregivers who must work to support their loved ones can receive the supports they need and that Ontarians with neurological conditions have the services and supports they need to live well.
 
You can help by sending a message to your MPP now. Help us win real action.
 

Your voice will make a difference! 
 

About MS Answers

Learning for Life is a series of client-focused educational initiatives where the key objective is to provide timely, credible and unbiased information to the MS community. The Learning for Life series features an online forum, online educational sessions and e-bulletin series that provide people with MS and their families’ information and tools to enhance their quality of life.

In the spring of 2006, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada launched the Ask the Expert web site, located at www.msanswers.ca. This online forum has allowed people with MS, caregivers and others affected by MS to discuss issues of importance and obtain accurate answers to MS specific questions from subject experts including neurologists, nurses, psychiatrists and other health care professionals totaling over 40 active experts.

Since its launch, the website has received an average 3 questions a day, clearly indicating a need and interest for information that is accurate, up-to-date and targeted to the everyday reader. This website allows people to submit questions electronically in French or English at their convenience. Questions are submitted anonymously and answers are provided by the most appropriate expert based on subject matter. New questions and answer are posted to the Ask the Expert up to website five times a week and are then stored within the website’s library.

Send a message to the candidates in your riding!

You can quickly send a message to candidates in your riding to ask for support on the important issues facing people living with MS.

It’s easy to do. Just fill in the form on the MS Society Canada website including your address and postal code so you can find your candidates. A prepared letter will then be sent to your local cadidates, from you, outlining important issues.

During the election campaign: Ask candidates what they will do make a difference for people affected by MS
 

It’s time for real change that will directly benefit people with MS and their families. During the federal election campaign, the MS Society is pressing candidates for commitments on four important issues. When you meet candidates during the campaign, please ask them to support these issues.

People with MS need answers. It’s time to set aside federal funds for a clinical trial of the CCSVI procedure. Earmarking funds ensures there won’t be a delay, if and when the scientific evidence shows a clinical trial should proceed.

Caregivers need support. It’s time to help family caregivers by providing a range of supports including tax credits and benefits and other programs to ease the daily load for all caregivers.

People with MS need secure incomes. It’s time to ensure people with MS have the incomes they need. This means making Employment Insurance sickness benefits more flexible so people can work part-time and receive partial benefits. It also means making the disability tax credit refundable – to actually put money in people’s pockets.

All people with brain conditions need a national brain strategy. Regardless of diagnosis, people living with brain conditions share similar needs and challenges. It’s time for a national brain strategy to accelerate research and improve the quality of life for millions of Canadians.
Learn more about these critical issues, questions to ask and what the parties have said so far.

If you want more information about what the parties are saying on a number of issues, see the links to their platforms below.

Bloc québécois
Conservative Party
Green Party
Liberal Party
New Democratic Party

2011 MS Research Teleconference with Dr. Paul O’Connor, National Scientific and Clinical Advisor to the MS Society of Canada

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is proud to announce the ninth annual MS Research Teleconference taking place on Wednesday May 11, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

Dr. O’Connor is known for his expertise in clinical trials and has been principal investigator of a number of MS research studies in the past decade, publishing well over 100 peer-reviewed articles on MS research. This year’s guest speaker will be Dr. Paul O’Connor, national scientific and clinical advisor to the MS Society. He is also the director of the MS Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

This is your chance to hear the latest on MS research as well as to have your questions answered by one of Canada’s leading neurologists.

The teleconference will follow a talk-show format. A short presentation will be followed by a moderated questionand-answer section.

Participants have the option to submit a question through the online registration form, by way of Twitter (@MSSocietyCanada) or through Facebook (Facebook.com/MSSocietyCanada).

How to register:
Online.
Call 416-922-6600 or 1-866-922-6065 extension 3177.
 

For more details, contact:
Claudette Villena
Phone: (416) 922-6600 or 1-866-922-6065 ext 3177
E-mail: claudette.villena@mssociety.ca