Help Canada lead the way in MS research

With recent research advances, MS prevention has changed from a distant aspiration into an attainable goal, and we’re determined to translate this vision into reality.

We need the support of the federal government as a funding partner to turn emerging research and our vision into reality.

You can help us by sending a letter to your Member of Parliament, advocating to make MS research funding a national priority and to commit $15 million in funding.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP.

We’re calling on the Government of Canada to make MS research funding a national priority and to commit $15 million in funding.

► EXPAND TO READ THE LETTER

Dear MP [Last Name]:

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. MS is a disease with both visible and invisible symptoms. The unpredictable, episodic, yet progressive nature of the disease leads to unique challenges. [YOUR PERSONAL COMMENT HERE]

A recent report from Deloitte Access Economics highlighted the significant cost of MS on Canadian society, estimating the total cost of the disease at approximately $3.4 billion annually. The study further highlighted the ongoing effects of unmet health needs compounding the challenges faced by the MS community. Challenges include financial difficulties, struggles in the workplace, and frustrating barriers to accessing MS treatments, care, and appropriate housing.

While there is currently no cure for MS, research holds the potential to find the causes of and cure for the disease. Currently, less than 10 per cent of MS global research funding is invested in prevention. Emerging research has identified the potential for advances in prevention of MS with the landmark study identifying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as an early trigger required for MS development and the existence of an MS prodrome, a period of early signs and symptoms that precede a disease, as a window for early intervention. There is a need to build on these recent discoveries with a focus on prevention. To accelerate this research, MS Canada is forging partnerships with global MS organizations and research experts who share their commitment to a world free of MS.

I’m writing to you to convey my support for the Government of Canada to commit $15 million to fund MS research in partnership with MS Canada, leveraging their connections and expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS, pursue leading-edge research on repair and regeneration, and explore strategies to prevent MS (e.g. risk factors, understanding preclinical MS, and develop and test interventions to prevent MS).

The time is now to focus on prevention with the high rates of MS in Canada and the rising economic burden of MS. Investing funding in research in partnership with MS Canada, with the goal of preventing MS for future generations, has the potential to save the Canadian health care system and broader society billions annually in the future. Cures are possible within our lifetimes, and this investment can take Canada from being known as the country with one of the highest rates of MS to a country that led the way in MS prevention.

Sincerely,

[Your Information]

Contact your MP

This letter will be sent to your Member of Parliament.

Personalize your letter:

If you'd like, please share your MS story, or add your comments here, to encourage elected officials to #TakeActionForMS. Your comments will be inserted automatically in your letter once it's sent.

YES, I'D LIKE TO ADD MY OWN COMMENT

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Personal stories can express the challenges of living with MS in ways that facts and figures simply can’t. Can MS Canada share your story in our Advocacy work?

Dear MP {contact_data~lastName},

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. MS is a disease with both visible and invisible symptoms. The unpredictable, episodic, yet progressive nature of the disease leads to unique challenges. {user_data~Personal Comment EN}

A recent report from Deloitte Access Economics highlighted the significant cost of MS on Canadian society, estimating the total cost of the disease at approximately $3.4 billion annually. The study further highlighted the ongoing effects of unmet health needs compounding the challenges faced by the MS community. Challenges include financial difficulties, struggles in the workplace, and frustrating barriers to accessing MS treatments, care, and appropriate housing.

While there is currently no cure for MS, research holds the potential to find the causes of and cure for the disease. Currently, less than 10 per cent of MS global research funding is invested in prevention. Emerging research has identified the potential for advances in prevention of MS with the landmark study identifying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as an early trigger required for MS development and the existence of an MS prodrome, a period of early signs and symptoms that precede a disease, as a window for early intervention. There is a need to build on these recent discoveries with a focus on prevention. To accelerate this research, MS Canada is forging partnerships with global MS organizations and research experts who share their commitment to a world free of MS.

I’m writing to you to convey my support for the Government of Canada to commit $15 million to fund MS research in partnership with MS Canada, leveraging their connections and expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS, pursue leading-edge research on repair and regeneration, and explore strategies to prevent MS (e.g. risk factors, understanding preclinical MS, and develop and test interventions to prevent MS).

The time is now to focus on prevention with the high rates of MS in Canada and the rising economic burden of MS. Investing funding in research in partnership with MS Canada, with the goal of preventing MS for future generations, has the potential to save the Canadian health care system and broader society billions annually in the future. Cures are possible within our lifetimes, and this investment can take Canada from being known as the country with one of the highest rates of MS to a country that led the way in MS prevention.

Sincerely,

{user_data~first name} {user_data~last name}
{user_data~province}

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