Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving.
The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t

The Colorado Chapter is your one-stop resource for MS…any time – any need. We are one call or click away for information, education and support.
800-FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving.

Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS. MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information from the brain to the body.  It is an elusive disease with no known cause and no known cure. Symptoms vary from person to person depending on where the central nervous system is affected, making it hard to diagnose.  MS generally strikes in the prime of life – ages 20 – 50, and 73 percent of those diagnosed are women.

MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. We are a driving force in research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment, and cure.

Colorado has one of the highest prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the country: 9,500 people in our state have MS. The disease not only affects those diagnosed, but it impacts the lives of spouses, parents, siblings, children and caring friends. The result is that 72,000 people in our state are directly affected by the disease.

PROGRAMS
We address the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS. The Chapter offers a number of programs every year for people with MS, their families and health professionals. Including:

• Self-Help Groups • Support Groups • Care Management
• Financial Assistance • Fitness Classes • Education Classes
• Advocacy Services • National Call Center

ADVOCACY
Through bold, engaging MS activism, we strive to influence both the public and private sectors to obtain benefits and resources for people living with MS and for their families. Advocacy is focused on federal funding for MS research, quality health care, long-term care, disability rights, health insurance, and prescription drug coverage.

THERE IS PROGRESS
The Colorado Chapter contributes research funds each year to the National MS Society’s $40 million annual research budget. The society is the largest private MS research funder in the nation, providing support for 335 research projects worldwide; funding 8 research projects in Colorado at a cost of more than $2 million. With Society invested funds, there are now 6 FDA approved disease modifying therapies that slow the progression of the disease.

MAJOR EVENTS
The Colorado Chapter organizes several events in the state to help raise funds and increase awareness of multiple sclerosis.

• 2010 Colorado MS Lifelines Walk MS: 9 walk locations across the state, every Saturday in May You can join the movement by walking.   Visit walkMScolorado.org to register and donate.
  
• Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride 2010 presented by Sam’s Club  - Cyclists embark on a philanthropic journey riding 150 miles on June 26 and 27, 2010. Visit bikeMScolorado.org to register and donate.
  
• Women on the Move Luncheon — four luncheons held state-wide in September where 1,200 primarily business women and community members gather with a common goal: to create a world free of MS.

OFFICES
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter was founded in 1959 and operates four offices in the state:

Denver Grand Junction Fort Collins Colorado Springs