AS OUR MS PROGRESSES, OUR INDEPENDENCE IS LOST

tremors and, in severe cases, partial or full paralysis. It is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.

MS attacks myelin, the protective barrier surrounding the nerves. As the disease progresses it can cause mobility issues, vision problems and impaired speech. Researchers are decoding some of the mysteries around the disease, but at this point there is no cure.

“Every day my life and the lives of countless other Canadians means many people living with the disease cannot afford to pay for new treatments that become available. She would also like to see improved home-care programs for those facing severe disabilities as the disease progresses.

“Without sufficient homecare options, we are forced to leave our homes and move into long-term care facilities that are not age-appropriate,” Lenzen notes. “Our government has the power to improve the current situation by increasing access to treatments, investing in comprehensive home care and enhancing access through accessibility legislation.”

The MS Society has seen the profound impact this condition can have not just on those diagnosed but on their families and communities. The need for improved services to support those living with MS has become increasingly important for all Canadians.

The MS Society continues to urge MPs to recognize the significant burden of MS on Canadians. More affordable treatments and financial supports would go a long way toward helping people with MS maintain their quality of life.

These measures would provide some stability in the face of a disease that can profoundly affect health, mobility and independence. New employment policies that take into account the episodic nature of the disease would also help those living with MS — and other neurological conditions — maintain a foothold in the workforce.

The MS Society of Canada continues to advocate, throughout MS Awareness Month and all year long, for accelerated research to investigate new treatments to improve the quality of life for Canadians living with MS. It provides services to people with MS and their families, and funds research into the causes of the disease, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.