The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) is a charitable, non-profit voluntary organization founded in the year 1985. It works with and for the welfare of persons afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis.

Together we form a support group, run by members who are in some way or the other emotionally involved  with MS,

We are a group of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now — to move together toward a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. MS stops people from moving, however MMSI is moving towards the goal of making sure that this does not happen - wherever possible

We help each person in India address the challenges of living with MS through the network of 8 chapters. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move forward.

• We are stirring forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure research.
• We are stirring to reach out and respond to individuals, families and communities living with multiple sclerosis.
• We are stirring politicians and legislation to champion the needs of people with MS through activism, advocacy and influence.
• We are stirring to mobilize the millions of people who want to do something about MS now.

We have eight Chapters all over the country, with our head office based in Mumbai. This organization is affiliated to Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) based in London, which coordinates the work of 48 countries in the world.

OUR MISSION:
“To provide programs and services to those affected by multiple sclerosis to achieve the highest possible quality of life under Indian living condition while coping with the daily challenges that MS presents.”

OUR VISION:
To provide a wide assortment of ongoing support and undeviating services to people with MS and their families throughout India under local living conditions. MSSI also provides a platform to promote greater understanding of Multiple Sclerosis and the various needs of those affected by it.

OUR GOALS:
We will have achieved our mission when:

1. The cause and cure for multiple sclerosis are identified in the least possible time.
2. The Indian public is fully aware of MS, the MS Society and its activities and its goals.
   
3. People with MS have the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of life.
4. We are able to receive enough funding for all our activities and Chapters..
5. The volunteers and staff of the chapters and national organisation are working together effectively towards our common mission.
6. When we have made a perceptible positive change in the life of every MS affected person in India.
7. We are committed to working together with the international research community to eliminate MS and its devastating effects. We also speak out on a global level for those affected by MS.

All of our work is carried out with the complete involvement of people living with MS.

MSSI provides hope for the future through the support of MS research into the cause, treatment and cure of the disease and hope in the present through our many services that assist people with MS and their families.

From the time of our founding in 1985, the core support group of the MS Society has been the scores of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations across India. The Society receives almost no funding from government.

MSSI is the only national voluntary organization in South Asia that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. The MS Society is governed by a National Governing Council comprised of volunteer members who are elected every three years. The eight regional chapters are also governed by an elected volunteer Executive Committee.

A number of volunteers serve on MS Society national and chapter boards and committees. From time to time we are assisted by students and associate volunteers for service programs, fund raising events, public awareness campaigns and social action activities.

The MS Society is ready to offer as much or as little help as you may need within its range of services. Contact your local MS Society chapter.

The head office of the MS Society of India is located in Mumbai. Chapter offices are located in Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

WHAT WE DO:
MSSI provides hope for the future through the support towards MS research into the cause, treatment and cure of the disease and hope in the present through our many services that assist people with MS and their families.

Since our founding in 1985, the core support of the MS Society has been from scores of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations across India. The Society receives practically no funding from government.

MSSI is the only national voluntary organization in South Asia that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. The MS Society is governed by a National Governing Council comprised of volunteer members who are elected every three years. The eight regional chapters are also governed by an elected volunteer Executive Committee.

A number of volunteers serve on MS Society national and chapter boards and committees. From time to time we are assisted by students and associate volunteers for service programs, fund raising events, public awareness campaigns and social action activities. The head office of the MS Society of India is located in Mumbai. Chapter offices are located in Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

Eighty-five per cent of the MS Society net revenue is devoted to program areas: Services for people with MS and their families, MS welfare programmes, social action, awareness & public education and chapter development.

Activities of Multiple Sclerosis Society of India

Programs & Services

The effects of MS vary widely from one individual to another. Symptoms for some may come and go, while others may experience a steady worsening of their disease. Each person's specific symptoms vary greatly too. For example, one may have visual problems, numbness, and fatigue, while another may experience impaired mobility, weakness, and depression.

With so many variables, the needs of the MS population specially in India are diverse. For this reason, MSSI offers different categories of programs and services aimed at providing individualised and personalised assistance to people with MS, their families, their care givers and partners.

Emotional Stimular
The physical symptoms of MS often have a strong emotional impact. Individuals with MS may feel uncertain about the future and frustrated over the challenges MS may present; loneliness and depression are very common as well. Encouragement and understanding are key to helping an individual get back on track, while valuable information helps to reduce fear and provide positive direction. Though in India emotional support is extremely positive due to close knit family system and other social condition, still a long drawn challenge to face MS is very difficult and hence the MS society comes forward with a helping hand.

Alternative Therapy
Interacting or communicating with others who can relate personally to one's situation can be therapeutic, comforting, and enjoyable. MSSI encourages new relationships and the opportunity for MSPs to share experiences and information by sponsoring support groups, various activities, and awareness events in different areas across India. MSSI also connects people through its Networking Program and offers a variety of therapeutic classes and group discussions, such as Yoga, Music Therapy, Laughter Therapy, Positive thinking etc.

Finding Answers
One way MSSI helps individuals to find answers is through assistance in acquiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- which is used to help diagnose MS and to evaluate both disease progression and treatment efficacy, also to get an inside view of disease progressions, Appointments with experienced neurophysicians,Hospital admission on priority basis.

Simplifying mobility issues
For individuals with MS who have limited mobility or who have other physical needs, MSSI may be able to help them with different types of housing options. MSSI helps to reorganise living conditions and liven up surroundings. The Society also organises programs with Occupational Therapists that assist individuals with different mobility issues and how to cope with activities of daily living.

Simplifying Day to Day Life
MSSI provides products and services that assist MSPs with their day-to-day needs and comfort. Easy availability of equipment / mobilty aids is informed with guidance to the right sources and special prices organised by MSSI. These products increase comfort, safety, and/or mobility.MSSI can also organise free transport for MSPs who do not posses any mode of transport to attend its special programmes.

MSSI Chapter Offices
In addition to the many professionals serving on a national level, MSSI also has various volunteers and staff at chapter offices across the country. The chapter offices support MSSI national programs by:

• Sharing ongoing information and latest developments in the world of MS. Panel of Doctors at a national level for counselling, consultation and all kinds of advice and information regarding coping with MS.Participation at International Conferences/Seminars upgrading the information & knowledge of our offices for gaining knowledge in the field and & volunteers for better efficiency in running the society.
• Crisis Helpline available in case of emergency . Counselling Helpline 10am to 5pm- 6 days a week.
• Organizing and holding–Quality of Life- Day Care programmes ,Care Giver’s Programmes,Support Group Meetings,Open Forums with Doctors and experts in the field.
• Bringing people together through networking and social events, Identifying volunteers to assist with chapter activities.
• Wish fulfillment of seriously ill MS persons through excursions to religious places, helping with children’s education, and assistance & counselling to help resolve unfulfilled wishes & dreams.
• Rehabilitating MSPs and their caregivers or families through their dedicated projects.
• Organising Awareness Events through-- Walks, Marathons, Conferences, Seminars, Art Exhibitions, Special Plays, Musical Concerts, Cultural Activities, and through print and electronic media.
• Sponsoring workshops, therapeutic services,home nursing care, home physiotherapy, home counselling, home visits Appointment with leading Doctors on a priority basis, hospital admission on priority basis.
• Sponsoring Wheelchairs Water / Air beds and other mobility aids, catheters, diapers, vitamins, medicines etc.
• Most important of all is fundraising activities to meet expenses of all the above sponsorship and generating income sources for the economically disadvantaged.

In conclusion, MSSI aims to offer as much or as little help as you may need within its range of services.

If you provide us with your mailing address on-line, you may receive periodic mailings from us with information about new programs and services or upcoming events, if you wish to be contacted.

If you do not wish to receive such mailings, please let us know by sending e-mail to info@mssocietyindia.org , by calling us or by writing to us at our address. We will then remove your name from our confidential list.

While MSSI's Head Office coordinates, monitors and organises national or International seminars or sponsorship of All India projects for all its Chapters throughout India, Chapter Offices provide all kind of assistance within its range of services, locally and in several surrounding villages, towns, cities and states.

Individuals interested in any MSSI activities may contact their nearest Chapter office for more information or assistance.