March is not just another month—it’s MS Awareness Month. It’s a time dedicated to shining a spotlight on multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a time for rallying support for people living with this challenging disease. It’s about empowering, educating, and fostering community among those with MS.
So what does this mean for you?
Why MS Awareness Month Matters
When I was first diagnosed with MS I didn’t know what MS was. My community had an annual walk-a-thon for MS but it used to annoy me. Why a walk-a-thon? As a person with MS, I saw it as an insult since many people with MS had walking issues. – I was looking at it wrong.
Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons raise awareness and funds for finding a cure.
Back then, there wasn’t an MS Awareness Month and not a lot of people knew what MS was. Even my neurologist who diagnosed me didn’t explain what MS was. He told me to go buy a certain book about MS and read it.
Now, there is growing awareness globally. Unfortunately, people have a stigma about MS and can discriminate. I didn’t tell people I had MS for years because of this reason.
If you’re discriminated against contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here is their website: www.ada.gov
Thankfully more people who are in the public eye are speaking up about their MS. This helps bring awareness and raise funds.
Famous people with MS include:
- Alan and David Osmond, father and son musicians
- Ann Romney, politician’s wife and MS activist
- Christina Applegate, actor and producer
- Clay Walker, country musician and MS fundraiser
- Jack Osbourne, TV personality
- Jamie-Lynn Sigler, actress
- Montel Williams, talk show host, and marijuana activist
- Selma Blair, television and film actor
- Teri Garr, actor
The goals of MS Awareness Month include:
- Raising Awareness. It helps educate the public about MS, its symptoms, and its impact on individuals and families.
- Promoting Understanding. By increasing awareness, and combating misconceptions, and stigmas surrounding the condition.
- Advocating for Change. Advocates for MS policies, research, and healthcare access.
- Building Community. It’s a time for people with MS to unite, share stories, and find support.
The Color Orange and the Butterfly
Image by erik-karits-2093459 on Freepik
I’ve been living with MS for most of my life and I’ve seen the color representing MS change. I don’t remember exactly when it changed to orange but now it stands out more. Orange also represents other diseases such as leukemia and ADHD awareness.
Orange:
The official color of MS Awareness Month is orange. It symbolizes hope, courage, and determination in the face of MS. It represents the vibrant spirit and resilience. Orange as a color to represent MS dates back to the early 2000s. It has become widely recognized as the official color of MS Awareness Month. Notice I use orange on my website?
Orange can represent warmth, energy, and transformation. I used to work in advertising and used the color orange for different reasons. Including motivational, inspiring, and catching someone’s attention.
Butterfly:
The monarch butterfly was chosen since it has the color orange in it. They also say you can see a butterfly image in an MRI scan. The butterfly is a powerful symbol of transformation and freedom. It symbolizes the experience including challenges and triumphs. They emerge from their chrysalis stronger and more resilient.
Butterflies are peaceful and can symbolize hope and new beginnings. They represent change because they start as caterpillars. They symbolize life struggles people endure to become a better person.
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
– Maya Angelou
How MS Awareness Month Can Benefit You
Image by Freepik
MS Awareness Month brings awareness to raise more money. It may not directly affect you but in the long run, it can. By raising more money for studies such as the Harvard TH Chan study. This 20-year study found the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of MS. The MS Society along with others helped fund this study.
To learn more about the EBV and MS study read Epstein-Barr Virus Is The Leading Cause Of MS
How MS Awareness Month, can benefit you:
- Increased visibility and understanding
- Access to resources and support
- Offers educational materials and resources
- Inspiration and hope that you can thrive despite having MS
Take Action
Image by drobotdean on Freepik
If you would like to get involved contact your local MS organizations. Whether you participate in live events or online you can help spread the news.
Ways you can take action during MS Awareness month:
- Get Involved. Attend local events or participate in online campaigns. You could organize a fundraiser to support MS research.
- Share Your Story. Use social media to share your personal experiences with MS. Help raise awareness and break down barriers. Use the hashtags #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth or #MSAwareness.
- Stay Informed. Take advantage of the educational resources available during MS Awareness Month. Learn more about managing MS and improving your quality of life. Don’t forget to read my website www.mswellnessroute.com
- Connect with Others. Reach out to local support groups or online communities to connect with others. Sometimes it’s nice to talk to others who understand what you’re going through.
MS Awareness Month
Throughout March, communities worldwide come together to participate in events and initiatives for MS awareness. It’s an opportunity to increase understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by people living with MS. Throughout the entire month of March organizations dedicate their efforts to supporting MS awareness initiatives.
Having MS is not the end of the world. I one time had someone who beat breast cancer tell me they’d rather have cancer than MS. I told her I’d rather have MS than cancer. The point is, that most people think of the worst-case scenario when they hear someone has MS. This is not true, only a small percentage end up bedridden. When I was younger, I tried getting life insurance but couldn’t due to my MS. I guess they thought I was going to die tomorrow.
Most people with MS look “normal” so no one would know they have MS. I went years without anyone knowing except family and close friends. It wasn’t until I had a horrible flare that I couldn’t hide it any longer.
What people need to know is, the disease does not define us. We are not guaranteed to end up in a wheelchair or be bedridden. MS is not a fun disease, you never know what tomorrow will be like. Yes, MS is unpredictable and extremely challenging but by eating and living a healthy lifestyle you can manage your MS symptoms.
We are MS warriors! We are strong and determined to improve our quality of life.
If you would like to get involved in MS Awareness Month contact:
- Local MS agencies
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)
- National MS Society (NMSS)
Resources:
Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis
Shining the Light on March: MS Awareness Month
