National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, observed each March, is dedicated to increasing public understanding of multiple sclerosis and promoting awareness of the challenges faced by those living with the condition. MS is a chronic and often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system, potentially causing symptoms ranging from numbness and fatigue to more severe complications such as mobility loss and cognitive impairment.
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month was founded by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in 2003 to empower, educate and unite the MS community. The MS Foundation itself was founded in 1986, to address the reality that disease-specific treatments were unavailable, and people with MS had little information about how to maintain their quality of life.
This month encourages education about MS, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. It also aims to foster support for those affected by MS, emphasizing the need for accessible resources, community engagement and advancements in medical research to improve the quality of life for people living with this condition. Through awareness efforts, the month promotes advocacy for MS patients and highlights the ongoing efforts to find better treatments and ultimately, a cure.