National Multiple Sclerosis Society

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Founded in 1946 by Sylvia Lawry, it is the leading nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to curing multiple sclerosis (MS) and empowering people affected by the disease. The society funds cutting-edge research, provides comprehensive support services, and advocates for societal and governmental change to improve the lives of those with MS. With a nationwide network of chapters, it mobilizes resources and communities to drive progress toward a world free of MS.

History

The organization was established in 1946 when Sylvia Lawry placed a classified advertisement in The New York Times seeking anyone who had recovered from multiple sclerosis, aiming to find hope for her brother. This effort led to the founding of the organization, initially named the Association for Advancement of Research on Multiple Sclerosis. A pivotal early achievement was its role in convincing the United States Congress to establish the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) within the National Institutes of Health. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it expanded its chapter network significantly and was instrumental in the development of the first FDA-approved therapies for MS in the 1990s, such as interferon beta-1b.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Key programs include a comprehensive support system offering services like peer counseling, educational programs, and assistance with navigating healthcare systems, including Medicare and the Social Security Administration. The organization also runs a nationwide network of certified MS clinics and provides resources on disease management, employment issues, and wellness strategies. Advocacy programs work to influence policy at both the state and federal levels, including efforts related to the Affordable Care Act and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Research initiatives

It is the largest private funder of MS research in the world, having invested over $1 billion since its inception to advance scientific understanding. The society’s research portfolio spans fundamental neuroscience, clinical trials for new therapies, and rehabilitation strategies, often conducted in partnership with institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic. A major initiative is the “Path to Cures” research roadmap, which focuses on stopping MS progression, restoring function, and ending the disease forever. It also manages significant repositories like the Human Brain Project-aligned tissue banks and supports early-career scientists through fellowships and grants.

Fundraising and events

Fundraising is accomplished through a variety of nationwide events and campaigns that engage millions of participants annually. The flagship event is the Walk MS series, held in hundreds of communities across the country. Other major events include Bike MS, which features iconic rides like the BP MS 150 in Texas, and the MuckFest MS mud run. The society also runs direct response campaigns, major gift programs, and corporate partnerships with companies like Bank of America and Sanofi. These efforts collectively raise hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fuel research and services.

Governance and organization

The society is governed by a national Board of Directors composed of volunteer leaders from the business, scientific, and philanthropic communities, with operational leadership provided by President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo. It functions through a federated chapter model, with local chapters across the United States, such as the Greater New England Chapter and the Southern California Chapter, which deliver programs and conduct fundraising in their regions. Key advisory bodies include the National Medical Advisory Board, which features leading neurologists like Dr. Timothy Coetzee, who serves as Chief Advocacy, Services and Research Officer.

Impact and recognition

The organization’s impact is evidenced by its role in every major therapeutic advance for MS in the last 75 years, contributing to over 20 FDA-approved treatments. It has been recognized with high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. The society’s advocacy efforts have secured significant increases in federal research funding through the Department of Defense and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Its public awareness campaigns, such as those during MS Awareness Month, have profoundly shaped the national conversation around neurological diseases. Category:Medical and health organizations based in the United States Category:Multiple sclerosis organizations Category:Organizations established in 1946 Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York City