FEATURE FOCUS
ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION How The MS Community Advances Research And Improves Lives
From Emotional And Practical Support To Clinical Trials And Legislative Advocacy , People Affected By MS Are A Driving Force For Change
BY ANN PIETRANGELO
THE PAST TWO DECADES of multiple sclerosis ( MS ) research have been remarkable . Scientists have made significant progress in everything from genetics and how immune drivers — such as T cells and B cells — play a role in disease activity to diagnostic criteria and treatment options . This changing scientific landscape is improving quality of life and hope for the future . There ’ s a lot of credit to go around , but these successes are due in large part to individuals who choose to share their stories and experiences .
Who are they ? They ’ re people with MS , caregivers , loved ones , and others who just want to make a difference .
JON STRUM
Founder And Host Of RealTalk MS Podcast
Jon Strum , founder and host of the RealTalk MS podcast , has been active in the MS community since 1997 when his late wife Jeanne was diagnosed with secondary-progressive MS . He was one of only three laypersons selected to take part in the International Progressive MS Alliance Scientific Steering Committee in 2015 .
“ It put me in a room with the most brilliant MS research minds in the world ,” Jon told NARCOMS NOW . “ I came away from these meetings feeling really encouraged about the future and the amazing work being done .”
Inspired to share this feeling with others , Jon decided to focus on education , taking science-backed information to others affected by MS . “ Science is often locked behind complex terms and jargon . I thought if I could make it more accessible , that would be a good thing ,” he adds .
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