CULLMAN, Ala. – As North Central Neurology Associates gears up for its Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness walk to be held Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs has proclaimed the day Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day – a major win for informing the public of the condition and making patients and their families feel seen and heard, according to Office Manager Debbie Simonsen.
“It feels great!” exclaimed Simonsen, sharing that the return of the local MS awareness walk has been especially motivating for the practice’s patients, especially for those whose conditions make them unable to tolerate long car rides.
“It’s especially great for our patients with mobility issues who have difficulty traveling long distances. For the past few years the walk has been limited to Birmingham and Huntsville and our patients just couldn’t make the drive,” she said. “Now with it being local again, they are able to participate to walk. And, for those that are unable to walk, at least they can get out in their own community and be a part of the event.”
Simonsen said the support of local government is key to expanding awareness about MS, and the many conditions that fall under the umbrella, many of which affect local community members.
“It helps to have the support of our mayor and the City of Cullman and to know that others recognize the need for awareness. MS is an umbrella for so many other problems,” she explained. “A lot of MS patients deal with loss of mobility, anxiety, depression, brain fog, inability to concentrate and so many other issues.”
Simonsen said that while the condition affects nearly a million people in the United States, proper diagnosis and treatment can be a lengthy and confusing process for patients. The condition typically affects those between the ages of 20-50, but it can hit at any time; the first well-defined case of MS was described by French neurologist Jean-Martin Chacot in 1868, and with the cause still unknown 155 years later, there’s a lot of ground for the medical world to cover in finding a cure.
Simonsen urges residents to come out to Heritage Park on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, from 8 a.m.-noon to walk, raise awareness and raise funds for research and treatment of MS. In addition to the walk, live music, T-shirts and raffles will be available.
“It’s going to be a great morning filled with fun, and it gives hope to those affected with MS. Come out and walk for some of those who can’t!” exclaimed Simonsen.
If you would like to donate an item to be raffled, it’s not too late! Contact Debbie Simonsen at North Central Neurology Associates at 256-739-1210. To learn more about North Central Neurology Associates, visit www.facebook.com/northcentralneurology.
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