Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2002)
TOPIC: Resources offer help & hope for those with Multiple Sclerosis
 
by kathy hayes

In most parts of the country, multiple sclerosis occurs in 1 out of 1,000 people. In Larimer County, however, MS is likely to affect 1 in 400.*

MS is a lifelong disease that affects the central nervous system. It often causes fatigue and problems with cognition, mobility, vision, speech, and coordination. Individuals with MS, and their families, need ongoing help to understand and learn to live with, the disease.

The Northern Colorado MS Society office, a branch of the National MS Society’s Colorado Chapter, helps people with MS get the help they need. Staff and volunteers working in the Fort Collins office serve more than 1,200 people.
“The service and education programs are probably the most important services we provide,” says Carol VanCampen, information and referral specialist/volunteer coordinator. Short-term and ongoing programs, such as wellness training, exercise programs, peer support and self-help groups, provide education and support, as well as ways that individuals can enhance their quality of life.

Northern Colorado MS Society office
1525 Riverside Ave., Suite A
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 482-5016
(800) 344-4867
www.curemscolorado.org

Hours
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday

The society also refers clients to medical professionals with expertise in MS and provides individual counseling services. “MS affects every aspect of a person’s life — family, personal, social, and work,” says client programs coordinator Linda Verona. The group offers current, accurate information about the disease and strategies for living with it, such as finding suitable housing or modifying existing homes.

“People with MS often need advocacy,” says Verona. The society helps with such issues as employment and insurance, financial assistance for MS-related needs and ways clients can discuss the disease with their doctor.

Each year, the local office works with the Colorado Chapter in Denver to coordinate several community-wide events. Funds raised go to support programs and services. Each chapter nationwide also contributes 40 percent of funds raised to the National MS Society. Those dollars are funneled into research programs designed to identify MS causes and treatments, and hopefully, one day, a cure.

* According to a September 1995 study conducted by Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County

more about multiple sclerosis

symptoms
Symptoms most often occur in people age 20 to 50. No laboratory test, symptom or physical finding can conclusively diagnose MS. Diagnosis must be made by a careful process that demonstrates findings that are consistent with MS, and also rules out other causes.

Symptoms include:
• Abnormal fatigue
• Impaired vision
• Loss of balance and/or muscle coordination
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Stiffness
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Short-term memory loss
• Mood swings
• In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis

research
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the world's largest private funder of MS research. The group is focusing new research in four areas: genetics, gender differences, the lesion project (study of progressive MS) and a longitudinal study in hopes of identifying causes of MS.

new program debuts
The Independent Living Empowerment Advocacy Program (ILEAP) is a new pilot program in Larimer County. Designed for people with more progressive MS, ILEAP helps individuals to receive consistent, continual healthcare and support, while remaining independent, empowered and at home.

how to help

• Volunteer
• Collect pledges and participate in fundraising events
• Request a copy of the MS newsletter, Action Alert