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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society —Colorado Chapter

In 1991, the Western Slope Office of the Colorado Chapter of the NMSS was opened in Grand Junction to serve the 20 counties of Western Colorado, offering programs and services to the people and their families living with the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. At that time, statistics showed that one in 1,000 Coloradans had MS.

The Chapter's statistics now tell us that the number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Colorado has risen from one in 800 to one in 650, one of the highest prevalence rates of MS per capita of any state in the country. (Compared with one in 10,000 in Texas) These are only the people that have told us they have the disease. 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are newly diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50-a time when they're starting careers and raising families. Programs and services that cover educational, social, physical and medical aspects of the disease help people with MS deal with the many challenges of every day lie. The NMSS supports more research and serves more people with MS than any voluntary organization in the world. This investment has made possible, significant advancements toward finding treatments and improving diagnosis, rehabilitation and symptomatic therapy for people with all forms of MS, as well as bringing us closer to a cure.

More women (75%) than men are affected, although men are more likely to develop the more progressive form of the disease. MS randomly attacks the central nervous system, slowly stealing away control over the body. Symptoms may range from imbalance and numbness to paralysis and blindness. Extreme fatigue can make simple activities of daily living a struggle. People with MS never know when attacks will occur, how long they will last, or if a loss of function will be permanent.

Our Western Slope Office holds several events each year to support our commitment to programs, services and research. Each fall, women join together in Grand Junction for the Women Against MS Luncheon. In Glenwood Springs, Durango and Grand Junction the MS Walks are held the first two Saturdays in May. In addition, several "3rd Party Events" take place throughout the year including the MS U.G.L.Y. Bartender Challenge.

The premier fundraising event for 2004 is the 4th Annual Grand Junction Dinner of Champions. Held throughout the country since 1972, the Dinner honors community leaders with the prestigious Hope Award. Past recipients include Joe & Teo Prinster, Gene Taylor and Pat Bishop. This year's Dinner will be held Thursday, April 1st at the Adam's Mark Hotel The community will honor Doug and Jamee Simons, owners of Enstrom's Candies for their outstanding commitment and service to the citizens of the Grand Valley.

For more information about Multiple Sclerosis, our programs and services or about how you can be involved with our events, please call Priscilla at 970-241-9329 or 1-800-371-2667 or visit our website at www.fightmscolorado.org. (...go back)