‘MS Town Hall’ meeting is Sunday

An MS Town Hall meeting slated Sunday in Marion is designed to acquaint Southern Illinoisans with Multiple Sclerosis with services provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, but it also has a second purpose.

Dan Friedman, director of marketing and communications for Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society, said the meeting also is designed to hear from people on what they want from the organization.

The meeting will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Mackies Pizza, 2704 Walton Way in Marion. Refreshments will be provided.

Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. at 1-800-344-4867 or http://www.gatewaymssociety.org.

The Gateway chapter covers 90 counties in the eastern half of Missouri and the southern third of Illinois; it has four offices including one in Cape Girardeau, Friedman said.

He said in the 14 Southern Illinois counties surrounding Carbondale, about 350 people have been diagnosed and are living with MS. One of our challenges is to see people are served in the less-populated rural areas, Friedman said. He encourages all MS patients to attend the Town Hall with family and friends.

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. MS interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

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, Friedman said.

Our goal is to provide the best possible service to people living with MS in Southern Illinois and their families, Phyllis Robsham, chapter president, said. Give us your feedback, and tell us what you need!

The Gateway chapter provides services including financial assistance for those who have lost income and incurred expenses because of MS, educational resources for patients and families, and resources to help those with MS stay active both physically and socially.

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‘MS Town Hall’ meeting is Sunday