National MS Society

"Here's the truth: nothing prepares you for a doctor calling in the middle of your workday to say, 'You have MS.' I remember sitting in shock, alone, in a vacant meeting room, trying to absorb a sentence that instantly reframed my entire life. Everything fell apart. Except it didn't. If you're at that point now, you will get through this and still be you — maybe even stronger. Definitely stronger. In the months ahead, doctors will poke and prod, and you will be the main attraction. Some things that seem terrifying now will be nothing later. What I didn't expect was how uneventful a lot of this actually was. Your MS will tell you what works and what doesn't. In the meantime, join Walk MS and bring your dogs. Set a goal. Mine was using a data sonification to turn my MRI into music. It's weird, but it's mine. So let it all out, then pick up your phone. Text someone who has your back and ask for a hug. There's a lot to learn, but you have time. You'll get through it. You really will." — Andrew J.

We know that changing the future of MS treatment requires a truly multifaceted approach — one that supports every part of the MS journey. This year, we advanced that mission in powerful, interconnected ways. We spearheaded a global effort to update the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria, giving people who are just starting to experience symptoms a clearer, faster pathway to diagnosis and earlier access to care. We invested more than $18 million in innovative research and identified key gaps that will guide future studies, bringing us closer to answers that reflect the full impact of MS on people’s lives. At the same time, we accelerated progress toward new treatment options for those living with MS. Because healthcare providers are essential to access, disease management, and quality of life, we also partnered with leading institutions to strengthen the MS workforce — supporting today’s clinicians while training the next generation. We’re proud of all we accomplished this year, but we know there is more to do. In 2026 and beyond, we’re committed to continuing this momentum and taking bold steps toward a world free of MS. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/g_5KUD6m

"Eight years ago, I got the diagnosis that would scare, challenge, and change my life. My MS journey hasn't been easy, but if I could tell someone newly diagnosed, it would be this: 'You’ll be okay. You’ll get through making the hard decisions and the difficult days. You’ll get through relapses and medication changes. Some days will be hard, and your life will look a little different than what you thought, but it will still be good!' MS has given me a new perspective on life. It's given me courage and strength to face each day, despite the uncertainty it brings. It's shown me the selfless love of my support system and the unwavering support of my husband. Each day you’ll see me smiling and pushing through, even through the days of frustration and sadness. MS may bring negatives into my life, but it has also brought good, and that good has no price tag." — Jamie L.

Congratulations to Fernando and Alberto Mendoza and the Indiana University football team on winning the college football championship! What an incredible achievement — and one that reaches far beyond the game. Fernando and Alberto’s involvement with the National MS Society in honor of their mother, Elsa, has helped shine a brighter spotlight on multiple sclerosis, reminding fans everywhere just how much awareness, advocacy, and community matter. We’re proud to celebrate this historic win alongside athletes using their platform to make a real difference for the MS community. 🏈 Photo Credit: Forbes

Living with MS means waking up each day not knowing exactly how your body will show up. Some days it’s crushing fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, and other days it's numbness, pain, and brain fog that makes every task even more difficult. One of the hardest parts is that these symptoms are invisible, and managing them takes more strength than most people will ever know. But your worth isn't measured by productivity, energy, or how “normal” you appear. You are always enough — exactly as you are. And even when MS feels isolating, you are not on this path alone.

No two MS journeys look the same. People with CIS may only experience a single episode, while RRMS brings symptoms that flare and fade. PPMS and SPMS involve a steady progression, and RIS may show no clinical symptoms at all. For some, treatments make a world of difference — for others, they may not. That’s why understanding the different types of MS matters. It helps people get the right care, the right treatment, and the right support for their unique journey. Because every person living with MS deserves a plan and a community that meets them where they are. 🧡 Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gsCZrgVw

Living with MS can lead to many questions — and one of the biggest is: Will my insurance meet my needs? Insurance plans today can be complicated, but understanding them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As the federal enrollment deadline comes to an end today, Jan. 15, here are our helpful tips for navigating health insurance when living with MS at: https://lnkd.in/gn4uSzxQ

MS can change plans, dreams, and what “normal” may look like — but it can never take away your determination. To everyone living with MS: we see your strength, and we’re with you every step of the way.

"As a maternal health advocate and artist, my work has always been about empowering, uplifting, and inspiring others. But when I lost my eyesight, and then the ability to feel my legs and fingers, I found myself struggling to advocate for the person who needed it most — me. Every day became a battle, not just with my body but with the uncertainty of what was happening to me. Seeking help, I went to a walk-in clinic, only to have my symptoms dismissed. It wasn't until the first major flare-up that I took myself to the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with MS. The journey wasn't easy, and what I've learned since then is heartbreaking. So many people struggle for years without a proper diagnosis simply because they are seeing the wrong doctors. I can't help but wonder how different my journey might have been if I had been taken seriously from the start. When I opened up about my MS journey to my community, the response I received was overwhelming — countless messages from people sharing similar experiences, uncertain about their own symptoms but feeling unheard by the medical system. That connection made my world feel safer and reminded me that even in the face of challenges, community gives us strength. Now, my mission is not just to advocate for maternal health but also to raise awareness about MS and other autoimmune conditions. No one should have to fight for their health alone. By sharing our stories, we create a space where others feel seen, heard, and empowered to seek the care they deserve." — Lauren T.