Letter to the Editor

What is MS?

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Dear Editor,

The annual MS Walk and 3rd Annual MS Motorcycle ride is Saturday, June 4. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Norris Park with the motorcycle ride registration at 9:30 a.m. and the ride to begin at 10 a.m. with lunch at Bird City, Kansas. For those of you who aren't sure what MS is we will summarize what it is.

MS is thought to be an auto-immune disease that primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses

In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. The damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions, possibly the nerve fiber itself can be damaged or broken.

This breakdown of the central nervous system causes disruptions and causes various symptoms. Usually, loss of limb strength and movement and vision disorders.

Scientists do no yet know what triggers the immune system to do this. However, the hard challenge for MS patients is the unknown and the unpredictability of what will happen next.

It also challenges neurologists as to what to prescribe for treating the symptoms as there is no known cure yet for MS.

Please come on this Saturday, June 4 to support the MS patients, visit with them and we simply encourage you to make a freewill offering. Any amount will be totally appreciated for the walk or ride.

These donations will be used by the MS association to provide money for medical treatment for those who can't afford it and for continuing MS research. Again, any contribution for the walk or the motorcycle ride is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jim Howard

and the McCook

MS Support Group

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