A message from Cyndi Zagieboylo: Looking ahead
Cyndi Zagieboylo, president and CEO
It’s spring, a time for renewal, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is renewing our strategic plan. Our fiscal year 2025–27 Strategic Plan is the next chapter in our mission to cure multiple sclerosis while ensuring everyone affected by MS has what they need to live on their own terms. This plan builds on the progress we have made over the 78 years since our organization was launched by Sylvia Lawry. It takes into account what we’ve accomplished and the world we live in today.
As we are in the final year of our current Strategic Plan, several puzzle pieces have fallen into place. So far, we:
- Confirmed that anyone can develop MS — regardless of age, race, ethnicity or gender, and we advanced equitable solutions to address and prevent health disparities while promoting inclusion in the MS movement.
- Brought the world together to align on the plan to cure MS. Some 200 MS researchers and leaders from 15 countries convened at the first-ever Global Research Summit to discuss progress and to contribute to updating the Pathways to Cures Roadmap.
- Created and published a comprehensive analysis of MS research that is underway around the world. An international scientific team is identifying gaps and opportunities for greater international collaboration to speed progress for the Stop, Restore and End Pathways to Cures.
- Increased access to equitable, affordable MS healthcare by expanding Partners in MS Care, and engaged general neurologists to be supportive partners in caring for their MS patients. Everyone with MS needs a healthcare partner to support them in their MS journey.
- Provided leadership to the International Progressive MS Alliance, bringing together 19 countries to increase treatment options for MS progression.
This, and more, was possible because of you. In 2023:
- 670,000 donors contributed
- 170,000 people participated in MS Society events
- 38,000 volunteers dedicated time and talent
- 7,844 MS activists raised their voices to pass 42 pieces of state-level legislation, improve access in airline travel and ensure congressionally funded MS research and increases for the National Institutes of Health
The MS journey is filled with moments. Moments of despair in hearing the words “you have MS.” Moments of relief when there are no new lesions in an MRI. Moments of frustration when symptoms get in your way. Moments of hope in hearing about new treatments and progress toward a cure. Our 2025–27 Strategic Plan focuses on shaping and influencing the moments each person experiences in their MS journey. Our goal is to bring more moments of connection, empowerment and wellness and fewer moments of challenge, fear and anxiety by speeding MS cures, getting in front of diagnoses and ensuring no one faces MS alone.
While we have made progress, we have so much further to go to get to a world free of MS. Together is the only way forward.
Where do you see yourself in the MS movement? I’d love to hear from you.
Cyndi Zagieboylo
President & CEO
National MS Society
Let me know your thoughts. Email me at cyndi@nmss.org.