Market/NMSS Facts
MS Facts
Special Events
Providers/Advocacy
Programs/Navigator
100

How many people are living with MS in the United States?

  • A new study funded by the Society has confirmed that nearly one million people are living with MS in the United States, more than twice the original estimate from a previous study.
100

Name 5 common MS symptoms.

- fatigue

- walking difficulties

- numbness or tingling

- spacticity

- weakness

- vision problems

- dizziness and vertigo

- Bladder problems

- Sexual problems

- Bowel problems

- Pain and itching

- cognitive changes

- emotional changes

- depression

100

what time of year does the Luncheon take place, and what time does the Dinner take place?

-

100

What is a Partner in MS Care?

A Partner in MS Care is a program whereby the Society recognizes a healthcare provider for providing optimal, comprehensive care to their MS patients and who has an established relationship with the Society.  The "Partner in MS Care" designation is not a certification, it is a title provided by the Society - a badge of recognition.

100

What is MS Breakthroughs?

  • MS Breakthroughs is an event to learn about our progress over the past year, discussing breakthroughs for people affected by MS in research and our volunteers.  Dr. Jim Bowen was our guest speaker this year.
200

How many board members are there and can you name three and the chair?

There are 31 board members. The chair is Tom Barden.
Tom Barden (Chair), Jamie Larsen (Vice Chair), Rick Anderson (Secretary), Alan Elser (Immediate Past Chair), Laurie Johnson (President), Joel Beherndt, Lindy Blevins, Chris Campbell, Marty Connell, Roxanne E. Davis, Paul Dressel, Chuck Edward, Rob Goldberg, Frederick “Beau” Gould, Gil Greenman, Nanette Hayre, Tom Herche, Steve Liffick, Peter Lyster, Eugene F. May, MD, Rainie McLaughlin, Margarita (Rita) Mills, Michael Nassirian, Scott Noe, Rachel Padgett, Carrie Delaney Rhodes, Al Smith, Alexi Varanko, Bob Vincent, Mike Walters, Annette Wundes, MD.


200

Name the different types of MS disease courses.

- Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS is a first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. The episode, which by definition must last for at least 24 hours, is characteristic of multiple sclerosis but does not yet meet the criteria for a diagnosis of MS because people who experience a CIS may or may not go on to develop MS.)

- Relapsing-remitting MS (the most common disease course – is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These attacks – also called relapses or exacerbations – are followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions) 

- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS follows an initial relapsing-remitting course. Most people who are diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to a secondary progressive course in which there is a progressive worsening of neurologic function (accumulation of disability) over time. 

- Primary progressive MS (PPMS is characterized by worsening neurologic function (accumulation of disability) from the onset of symptoms, without early relapses or remissions )

200

How many Walk MS events are in the GNW market and the number of Walks in each state?

-

200

What should I do if I think someone would: 

- make a good advocate OR

- state they are interested in advocacy OR 

- state they are looking to get more involved with the Society outside of Bike/Walk? 

Additionally, what qualities should I be looking for?

Talk with Seth!  A good activist is a clear communicator, a fast learner, and can understand complex ideas and relate them to others in easy to understand language. A good activist does not have to be a policy person (wonk), have prior experience, nor be connected to government. If you live with MS you have a story and you can be an advocate.

200

Name the ways that people can connect to the MS Navigator team.

- Chat via the Society's website

- phone (1-800 number)

- email (via the website)

- online/fax referral form for healthcare providers

- MS Connection.org community discussion pages

300

Name two Society produced marketing tools you can use to spread awareness of MS and the Society.

300

Describe what a disease modifying therapy is and how many are currently on the market?

disease modifying therapies for MS have been found through clinical trials to reduce the number of relapses, delay progression of disability, and limit new disease activity . 17 are currently on the market.

300

Roughly how many volunteers were engaged in the Greater NW market in 2018?

1

300
What is the Medical Student Mentorship Program?

This is a Society program which brings first-year medical students into an MS clinic to shadow and be mentored by an experienced MS provider for 4 weeks between their first and second year of medical school.  The goal is to inspire students to pursue a career in MS.

300

What are the titles of the two main education programs we are running across the country this fiscal year for people with MS, and what are these program about?

Relationship Matters

This is designed to address the needs of couples affected by MS – featuring expert facilitators and practical strategies:

  • effective communication and listening skills
  • problem solving and conflict resolution skills
  • ways to break old patterns and manage your relationship proactively

Pathways to a Cure

This program provides the latest information on multiple sclerosis research, progress, and what you can do now to impact your health and quality of life.

400

How many people with MS is the Society connected to in the Greater Northwest Market, and can you break that number down by state?

We have 19,391 people with MS listed in our datawarehouse that reside in the Greater Northwest Market.

1184 in AK

2053 in MT

781 in N. Idaho

18,406 in Washington

400

How is MS diagnosed?

No single test can diagnose MS. 

In order to make a diagnosis of MS, the physician must:

  • Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves AND
  • Find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time AND
  • Rule out all other possible diagnoses
400

For the Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic - what is the fundraising goal and the participant number goal?

1

400

What does advocacy work on at the state level?

At the state level advocacy works on:

  • Access to medications – we advocate for policies that make the prescription drug market more transparent and consumer friendly with the end goal of lowering costs
  • Access to Coverage – we advocate for policies that increase provider networks, protect essential health benefits and pre-existing condition protections, and stabilize Medicaid and other health benefit programs
  • Long-term Services and Supports – we advocate for increased access and funding for home health, long-term care, other essential services including transportation and tele-health
400

Name at least three of the different teams that are included under the MS Navigator umbrella.

- Crisis team

- Healthcare Provider Referral team

- Benefits and Employment team

- Financial Assistance team

- Case Management team

- Intake and Assessment team

- Training team