We’ve carefully selected these MS nonprofits because they’re actively working to educate, inspire, and support people living with MS and their loved ones. Nominate a notable nonprofit by emailing us at nominations@healthline.com.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that impacts the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that more than 2.3 million people worldwide have the disease.
Receiving a diagnosis can be shocking and emotional. However, current and emerging treatments offer hope. Proper treatment can slow the disease’s progression and inhibit relapses. And there are several organizations dedicated to ultimately curing MS by advancing research and bringing resources to the MS community.
We’ve rounded up some of these notable organizations working toward a cure. They’re leading the way in research and support for people with MS.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society imagines a world free from MS. They work to mobilize the community for greater progress and impact. Their site has a wealth of knowledge, including information about the disease and treatments. It also highlights resources and support as well as lifestyle tips. Learn about emerging research, including how to participate, or get involved in raising awareness or funds.
Tweet them @mssociety
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MS Focus) helps people living with MS maintain the best possible quality of life. Their initiatives help people afford care services, medical devices, and lifestyle aids, like wheelchair ramps. Their site offers educational info about MS and ways to get involved with advocacy, volunteering, and other areas. You can donate, apply for assistance, and find events and resources like support groups. Check out their on-demand radio channel and magazine for MS news and stories.
Tweet them @MS_Focus
The Myelin Repair Foundation boasts having raised $60 million for myelin repair research treatments. Since 2004, the foundation has contributed to 120 studies and helped find new treatment targets and tools. The site hosts information about their current clinical trial as well as white papers and other research achievements. Read the doctor and researcher testimonials to see how the foundation’s contributions are impacting healthcare.
Follow them @MyelinRepairFoundation
As its name suggests, the Accelerated Cure Project is dedicated to speeding the pathways to a cure. The organization facilitates research and encourages collaboration in the scientific community through their online forum, cooperative alliance, and clinical study network. They also provide researchers with open access to samples and datasets. The site details their initiatives, news, and ways to support the organization.
Tweet them @AcceleratedCure
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) seeks to “improve lives today.” Since 1970, the organization has provided support to people living with MS and their family and caregivers. This includes a range of services, from a free helpline to funding for tools, treatments, and tests like MRIs. They also offer helpful advice, like their guide to health insurance. Visit their site to get involved, join a community forum, and read their blog for helpful stories, news, and advice.
Tweet them @MSassociation
The Race to Erase MS organization gives funding to a network of America’s top seven MS research centers. The nonprofit helps ensure that the centers work together, avoiding redundancies in research. Since its founding in 1993 by Nancy Davis, who lives with MS, the group has raised over $36 million for research. Their site provides a snapshot of the organization and its initiatives, ways you can contribute, and MS resources.
Tweet them @RacetoEraseMS
The Rocky Mountain MS Center addresses the needs of people living with MS and their loved ones and caregivers. The center, in partnership with the University of Colorado, has a team of scientists and physicians working on innovative therapies. They boast to have one of the largest MS research programs worldwide. Their site outlines the resources of the center, including many therapeutic treatment options. It also highlights their research and offers several ways to become educated about MS. Those in the Denver area can participate in community events, too, like the center’s networking happy hours and fundraisers.
Tweet them @mscenter
Can Do MS is all about transforming lives to help people with MS and their families thrive. The organization offers educational programs for exercise, nutrition, and symptom management. They’ll work with you to create achievable goals to meet your individual physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. Visit their site to learn more about the group, its programs and resources, and how to get involved.
Tweet them @CanDoMS
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is an organization for MS healthcare and research professionals. The group focuses on education, research, advocacy, and collaboration within the field. The affiliated CMSC foundation works to support research initiatives and offers scholarships and awards for people working in the field. Its site gives more information about the organization, its efforts, and news. Visit the foundation site if you’d like to donate.
Tweet them @mscare
Catherine is a journalist who’s passionate about health, public policy, and women’s rights. She writes on a range of nonfiction topics, from entrepreneurship to women’s issues as well as fiction. Her work has appeared in Inc., Forbes, The Huffington Post, and other publications. She’s a mom, wife, writer, artist, travel enthusiast, and lifelong student.