March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. We want to help raise awareness for the millions worldwide affected by multiple sclerosis. Plus, we want to use this month as a way to show how much we appreciate and care about our customers living with MS who depend on us for their catheter supplies.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is also a great time to find out more about this disease and what you can do to help raise awareness too.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a debilitating disease in which the immune system attacks a healthy body’s central nervous system (including the spinal cord and brain). The immune system creates inflammation that strips the protective layer of insulation around nerves (the myelin sheath) inside the body, which can cause various disruptions in communication signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Around 1 million people live with multiple sclerosis in the United States, although it can prove difficult to diagnose as symptoms are unpredictable and may last temporarily or lifelong. Despite this, we know that MS appears to be twice as common among women than men and more prevalent in Caucasians, according to the National MS Society.
180 Medical and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Orange Out for MS Awareness
Orange is the official color of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, so many of our employees at 180 Medical office locations across the country show our support by wearing this bright color. This year, employees banded together to bring in orange-colored snacks for our themed food and game tables.
Not only did these efforts bring co-workers together, but they also enabled us to spread awareness throughout our company and to our customers.
These areas were a great place where our offices could come together. Informational flyers posted at each table gave employees the opportunity to learn about and discuss Multiple Sclerosis and understand how it impacts the families we serve. Coordinating to wear orange is a simple way we can all show our support.
Raising Funds for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Each year, 180 Medical also proudly participates in the National MS Society Walk MS events, which support research toward a cure for multiple sclerosis.
With so many of us around the country currently practicing safe social distancing, the experience will be different. However, the National MS Society has created a Virtual Walk MS experience, so we can all still participate and help raise funds for research.
In addition to Walk MS, 180 Medical employees work to help contribute raised funds throughout the year in support of the National MS Society through local employee-led initiatives. This year, our offices will hold raffles with prizes including donated goodie baskets and month-long front row parking spot opportunities.
How to Get Involved and Raise Awareness
Do you want to get involved and find out how you can help during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month? Raising awareness is a click away. Besides helping to educate ourselves, social media and the internet allow us to easily share information about this disease that affects so many Americans.
Consider donating to organizations such as the National MS Society. There are so many great ways to generate donations, and no contribution is too small in the fight against multiple sclerosis.
You could also repost important information including educational blogs or videos, or simply wear orange this month. Consider arranging your own “Orange Out” day at work, home, or at virtual social gatherings.
Lastly, consider participating in your local virtual MS Walk event, or set a reminder to observe National MS Day on March 30th, 2020.
Multiple sclerosis can be a devastating disease for many. However, in working together to all do our part to support research, we will hopefully one day find a cure.
