To the editor:

In 2006, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). When diagnosed, I did not know what MS was. Others, along with myself, experience the various challenges of MS, and no two people experience the same effects. No one has chosen to live with MS; it has chosen us. There are things known and things unknown regarding MS.

Every hour, someone is diagnosed with MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. A few of the impacts of someone with MS could be one or more of these experiences; however, there are numerous others. An individual may experience continuous headaches, difficulty with vision, balance problems when standing or walking, and slurred speech, and may even stop people from moving.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS affects more than one million children and adults in the United States. To this day, there is no cure; however, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and other major organizations are actively working toward finding one.

Since 2006, I have been moving forward, becoming more educated regarding MS and active in MS awareness by becoming a Carroll County MS activist through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter.

I have come to know several residents in Carroll County with MS. Each person shared their different challenges with me. I have been advocating for others and myself by sending correspondence to state representatives regarding costly medications, financial matters related to these medications, and research funding. However, I have not stopped there and will continue to be a voice for others.

Now, if this was not enough, I will be attending Board of County Commissioner meetings in person at Monroe County March 2, Mahoning County March 5, Noble and Muskingum Counties March 9, Guernsey County March 10, and concluding March 12 here in Carroll, all while advocating with each to recognize the month of March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Ohio as signed into Ohio Law in 2006.

In the previous years, I have attended Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, and Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners meetings, advocating MS awareness. To continue moving forward, I aim to expand this by attending all 88 counties in the state of Ohio throughout my life, raising further awareness. I invite anyone with MS from the counties I am attending this year to join me and witness this event, letting your voice be heard.

Edward L. Hale,

Carrollton