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Category:
Published: November 2007
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 diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men contracting the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.
MS stops people from moving; the National MS Society exists to make sure that it doesn't succeed. We do this through our home office and 50-state network of chapters by funding more MS research, providing more services to people with MS, offering more professional education, and furthering more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. We are people who want to do something about MS now.
The Upstate New York Chapter is nationally-recognized as a leader in providing comprehensive service programs for nearly 12,000 people with MS and their families in 50 counties. We continue to remain dedicated "to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis."
"We are blessed to have committed volunteers in the Capital District," says Kathy Mahoney, Director of Development at the Upstate New York Chapter. Kimberly Adams-Russell, who lives with multiple sclerosis, has been an asset to the Chapter for many years. Kimberly has served as a member of the Board of Directors and has been active on many special event fundraising committees, including the MS Summer Gala and the Women Against MS Luncheon (WAMS). Team Adams participates each year in the MS Bike Ride. The team, made up of Frank Adams Jewelers employees, has raised close to $10,000 for the National MS Society. Friends, family and co-workers of Kimberly have also participated in the MS WALK for several years. In 2006, Kimberly introduced the "sneaker for success" pendant, a limited-edition pendant designed by award-winning jewelry designer Jane Taylor. Proceeds of the pendant sales directly benefit the National MS Society.
Kimberly has donated treasure, time and talent, and continues to support the Chapter in any way she can. As the Chapter moves forward into 2008, we are thankful to have dedicated volunteers and friends such as Kimberly Adams Russell; together, we will achieve a world free of multiple sclerosis.
For more information about multiple sclerosis, please visit our website at or call 1.800.FIGHTMS.
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