National MS Society open house in Decatur on Oct. 30

[October 11, 2013]  CHICAGO -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, provides resources in communities across the state, and representatives will be in Decatur for an informational open house on Oct. 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St.

Open houses like the one in Decatur are an opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and discover the many programs, services, events and support resources available through the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, for individuals living with MS and their families. These open houses are scheduled several times a year throughout Illinois.

Coleen Friedman, Anne Abbott, and Crystal Sewell from the Greater Illinois Chapter will be on hand to talk about the National MS Society as well as services and programs being offered in the Decatur area. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, network and meet others living with MS. All those with an interest in MS are encouraged to attend.

The open house is free of charge and refreshments will be served.

To register, call 1-800-344-4867 or go online at MSIllinois.org.

Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 20,000 people in Illinois and 2.1 million worldwide.

[Text from file received from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter]

The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. The chapter envisions a world free of MS and moves toward that end by driving change through advocacy, facilitating education, collaborating with others and providing helpful programs and services. For more information, visit MSIllinois.org.