A message from Cyndi Zagieboylo: The MS community is diverse

Cyndi Zagieboylo, president and CEO

Diversity brings a richness that makes life most interesting, fulfilling and smart. Through understanding people’s lived experiences, we gain perspective, ideas and solutions.

Multiple sclerosis has no boundaries. Anyone can get MS, and that diversity is a great strength of the MS community. A variety of people have one thing in common: MS came into their lives. While there are common moments in their MS journey — a first symptom, a diagnosis, treatment decisions, disclosing MS — each experience is unique.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society strives to be a trusted and reliable partner dedicated to ensuring every person feels welcome in the MS movement — that they get what they need, that they’re able to share experiences and be a part of a community. A safe and accountable space that sees and honors what makes you uniquely you — that’s what we’re going for. We are intentional in our efforts to engage people who historically have been left behind or discounted because of inaccurate information and prejudice.

We are focused on raising awareness and building connections with all groups that are underrepresented, have fewer connections and are more isolated, including those in the Black, Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities, military veterans, children and parents of children with MS. We need to create space for sharing and learning because while we are making great progress in understanding and treating MS, not everyone has equal access to available solutions. That needs to change.

The most important asset we have in the MS movement is you. Together we will go farther. Together we will cure MS.