The FUMS 6-Pack 🍻 3/5/25

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Check out last week’s poll results at the bottom of the 6-Pack ⤵️

Hey there,

Happy MS Awareness Month!! 🧡 Every March is MS Awareness Month in the U.S. It is often confused with Walk MS and Bike MS but they are not associated. Although your contribution to MS Awareness Month could certainly be signing up for either of those wonderful events and sharing them with your community! Awareness of MS is important for many reasons. First and foremost is $$ for research. People don’t donate to something they don’t understand or know about. When people in your community learn that you have MS, they are MUCH more likely to donate to help find a cure. Also - to make this world a more understanding and accepting place for people with MS. Most people don’t understand much, if anything, about MS. Did you before you were diagnosed with it?? I hear all the time that MS’ers are accosted in parking lots by people insisting that they are using handicapped parking placards when they shouldn’t. And employers are asking more of their MS employees than the employee can handle - simply because there is a lack of understand or dialogue on what MS is and does to individuals - and we all know how different that is for every person. When people know better - they do better. I hope you’ll take this month and talk to people in your life about your MS - and post on your socials - and sign up for a fundraiser and get others in your tribe involved. Feel the power of raising awareness and research dollars in a disease that can make you feel so very powerless. 💪🏻

Let's see what's up in the world of MS, shall we??

1. ORANGE ALERT: today I am announcing the FUMS 6-Pack Referral Program. Simply share your love of the FUMS 6-Pack by inviting others to subscribe, and you’ll receive a reward.🎁 When 3 of your friends subscribe to the FUMS 6-Pack - you’ll receive the Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Resources Guide. This super valuable guide has clickable links to the top resources in MS for the following categories: remote/work from home,  financial resources, online exercise resources, mental health resources, patient assistance resources, top MS podcasts, research and clinical trials, mobility and adaptive equipment, support communities, transportation resources, and caregiver support. **Check out your running sign up total, and find your personal unique referral link - at the bottom of each 6-Pack. When you hit the magic number of 3 subscribers, you’ll be sent the valuable and comprehensive resource list reward. *More rewards will be announced for additional subscriber referrals.

2. Here fishy, fishy, fishy. 🎣 Do you eat fish? Often? Maybe you should! Just for the Halibut!!! 🤣 Higher fish consumption is associated with slower disability progression in MS, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Cast a line and have a read: Higher fish intake linked to reduced risk for multiple sclerosis disability worsening

3. The first question I had for my doctor when I was dx’ed was “how likely is it that my kids are going to get MS?” It’s what every parent with MS fears. In those days (2008) we were told genetics played no part. Oopsie! “Multiple sclerosis isn’t inherited, but having a family member with the disease can increase your chance of having the condition. While genetics influences your risk, environmental factors also play a role.” Understanding the Genetics of Multiple Sclerosis

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4. Super interesting research involving gut bacteria and it’s link to severity of MS. It’s studies like this that give me hope - and remind me that we are, indeed, gaining on the MonSter. Out-of-balance bacteria is linked to multiple sclerosis − the ratio can predict severity of disease

5. Clinical Trial Currently Recruiting: Investigators Recruiting Nationwide for Study Comparing AHSCT (stem cell therapy) to Other Therapies in Active Relapsing MS. Eligibility and Details: Participants should be ages 18 to 55, diagnosed with MS, and experiencing highly active, treatment-resistant relapsing MS, defined as two or more episodes of disease activity in the prior 36 months, at least one of which must have occurred while taking medication for MS. Further enrollment criteria are available from the contacts at each study site. Learn more here: AHSCT Study

6. So many people ask me about stopping their medication at age 60 or 65. Like everything else with MS - it’s really individual. And - it’s best discussed with your doctor - about YOUR 🫵🏻 MS. But here’s a little sompin sompin for you to ponder in preface to that visit with your doctor: As Adults Age With MS, Should They Shed Their Meds?

Fun Finds & Recommendations Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU

I posted about this book when it was available for pre-order. But now - it has been published and you can order it and get it and read it and love it!! Ardra Shephard is an MS Advocate, writer, speaker and podcaster who shares her life with MS on her various Tripping on Air platforms. She’s sassy too. AND she can throw down an F-bomb with the best of them (us). Guess that’s why I’ve loved her since I first interviewed her on the FUMS Podcast Show 5 years ago (Babes With Mobility Aids). Order your copy of Ardra’s book NOW!! Here’s where to go: Fallosophy

Last week’s poll results:

What "ancillary" aspect of MS do you wish healthcare providers would ask about and offer support and resources for?

That's all folks. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way. Otherwise, just keep saying FUMS!! 🧡

Cheers -- 

Kathy

Kathy Reagan Young
Founder
FUMS 

Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say F-U-M-S

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