Our mission is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis...
Every hour in the United States, an individual receives a frightening diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe enough to cause blindness or paralysis. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and
50, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be life-long. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

Description:
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world.

Serving 41 counties in California, the staff and volunteers in our offices in Oakland, Sacramento and Fresno provide education, information and referral, emotional support, exercise classes, family programs, and assistance to people with MS and their loved ones. We also promote the understanding of MS and other disabilities through public outreach, government advocacy, and professional education.

For over 59 years, the National MS Society has funded innovative research and advocated
for government support of important scientific inquiries. We are the largest private supporter of MS research in the world. As part of our aggressive, international efforts, scientists in the Northern California currently receive more than $ 11 million in Society research grants.

History:
Since its founding in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been the leading provider of programs for people with MS and their families and friends. Chapters in every state enable the Society to help meet the needs of Americans living with MS. Programs provide clients with accurate and current information, help people with MS to find and keep jobs, work with families affected by MS, and address many other concerns. The goal of every program is self-empowerment in the person with MS.

Contact people:

Sarah Hester, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Kristin Hesse, Development Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (510) 268-0575

Address:

1700 Owens Street Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.msconnection.org