Resources
We Are ILL is here to support our community with a range of tools that can assist them on their ever-evolving MS journey. From educational materials to information on research opportunities and beyond, this list of resources is designed to help you invest in your wellness. Note: This page will be updated as more resources become available.
EDUCATIONAL
Accelerated Cure Project
Accelerated Cure Project/iConquerMS Newsletter: Published monthly to educate and inform people affected by MS on the most current advances in MS research and care. Their newsletter is distributed electronically to more than 13,000 people affected by MS who have a deep interest in MS research. Sign up for their Newsletter.
Phone Number: 781-487-0008
Can Do MS
Can Do MS delivers health and wellness education programs to help families living with MS thrive:
CAN DO Program
JUMPSTART Program
TAKE CHARGE Program
Online Programs/Webinars
Ask the Can Do Team
Library Articles
Phone Number: 970-926-1290
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
In-Person and Online Educational Programs: Aimed at different facets of the disease course as well as specific and underserved MS population clusters. Additionally, there are a number of online tools and digital resources aimed at goals of shared management (including our My MS Manager mobile app) and a library of publications produced by MSAA on a variety pertinent educational topics.
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
MS Focus: Has published dozens of items, in various formats, designed to empower MS patients and their health care team, with the knowledge to best fight this disease. These include booklets, brochures and fact sheets.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
MS Navigators: Highly skilled, compassionate professionals — connect you to the information, resources and support needed to move your life forward. These supportive partners help navigate the challenges of MS unique to your situation, providing:
• Information and education to help people with MS and their support teams powerfully advocate for what they need, when and how they need it
• Emotional support resources for people with MS, as well as family and carepartners, including support groups and ways to connect with others living with MS
• Help through the complexities of finding a healthcare provider, benefits, insurance and access to coverage, and employment
• Resources to face financial challenges and plan for the future
• Wellness strategies that can make an impact on quality of life with MS, including diet, exercise, emotional well-being and connection to local wellness resources
• Assessment for personalized case management through the Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program
• Crisis intervention in times of need
Phone Number: 800-344-4867
United Spinal MS
New Mobility Magazine: United Spinal’s membership magazine, New Mobility, is a monthly nationwide print and digital publication with a circulation of 98,000. Specific editorial articles and information throughout the year focus on MS.
Phone Number: 718-803-3782
United Spinal MS
United Spinal Patient Advocacy: Supports improved access to, and education about, pharmaceuticals for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Their membership also includes multiple sclerosis (MS), ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spina bifida, and other paralyzing conditions.
Phone Number: 718-803-3782
United Spinal MS
Resource Center: AskUs Help Desk offers personalized advice and guidance to individuals living with paralysis, including MS, their family members, caregivers and medical professionals serving this patient group. Information Specialists connect patients and others with services in their own communities nationwide including:
• Nationwide United Spinal chapters and support groups networks, inpatient hospitals, outpatient and continuing activity-based rehabilitation options
• Connection to additional sources of condition-specific medical information
• Accessible housing options
• Accessible personal transportation and public transportation guidance
• Working knowledge of health insurance types sources and trends
• Extensive, curated publications targeted to specific topics/needs
• Knowledge of and vetting of appropriate durable medical equipment options
• Continuing access to latest equipment and medical supplies breakthroughs
• Basic research progress guidance
• Access to condition-specific clinical trials
• Connect patients, family, caregivers and health professionals to free membership and ongoing targeted publications and support
Phone Number: 718-803-3782
Financial assistance
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
MRI Access Fund: The MSAA MRI Access Program assists with the payment of cranial (brain) and c-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for qualified individuals who have no medical insurance or cannot afford their insurance costs and require an MRI to help determine a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or evaluate current MS disease progression.
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Emergency Assistance: Funding assistance for delinquent bills, including rent, phone, electric and heating fuel. A partial or full payment may be granted.
Phone Number: 954-776-6805 OR 888-673-6287
United Spinal (MS)
Pathways to Employment: United Spinal Association’s Pathways to Employment (PTE) Program is designed to support the pursuit of job opportunities for people (SCI/D), and other neurological conditions — such as MS. PTE provides access to resources for people who want to return to work, including information about benefits, transitioning to employment, how-to guides, and guidance on removing barriers to employment and access to mentors who have successfully returned to work after injury or diagnosis. The Pathways to Employment program also supports employers interested in ensuring that people with disabilities are represented in their workforce by providing guidance and resources in recruitment, onboarding and accommodations through trainings and distributing job opportunities to our national network of members and 50 chapters.
Phone Number: 718-803-3782
hcp coordination
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Toll-Free Helpline Offers:
• Resources and referrals for services, programs, and medical providers
• Management of overall healthcare, including reminders of regular tests and checkups
• MS symptoms, how they are managed, and medication for treatment of MS Reassurance, encouragement and emotional support.
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
HomeCare Assistance: In-home visits toward personal hygiene assistance, meal preparation and respite care for care partners, as well as in-home therapy visits.
Healthcare Assistance Grant: Funding for a visit and a follow-up visit to a neurologist for those uninsured. Individuals must have a confirmed diagnosis of MS to qualify. This program also offers dental assistance.
Phone Number: 954-776-6805 OR 888-673-6287
United Spinal (MS)
New Beginning Backpack: United Spinal’s New Beginning Backpack offers engagement with their 50+ United Spinal chapters, 200+ support groups, and more than 115 high-profile member hospitals and rehabs across the country. They distribute 5,000 backpacks annually, and each backpack contains product samples, brochures and resources to help people with SCI/D, veterans, and those with MS on their journey toward a “new beginning.” This nationwide initiative gives tools to people new to spinal cord injury or disorder, to help them regain their independence and conquer hurdles on the horizon.
Phone Number: 718-803-3782
Mental Health
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Health and Wellness Grant: Funding throughout the country for group classes for Yoga, aquatic exercise, therapeutic horseback riding, exercise and adaptive sports. For those who live in an area where they do not have a group, the MS Foundation has an Independent Participation Program which will fund gym membership for a number of classes certain areas.
Support Group Program: They have an affiliated network of 200 independent support groups throughout the country. They provide leadership training, educational materials, flyers and funding for refreshments for these groups.
Phone Number: 954-776-6805 OR 888-673-6287
peer assistance/events
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
My MSAA Community Online Forum: Connects clients with their peers in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
research
Accelerated Cure Project
iConquerMS: A community of people worldwide affected by MS who are interested in supporting MS research. iConquerMS provides people with opportunities to participate in research studies, provide advice and feedback to researchers, and help set research priorities. People who are interested in getting involved in MS research can become members of this community at www.iConquerMS.org.
Phone Number: 781-487-0008
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Research Opportunities: There are a number of ways that MS patients can help advance MS research, including participating in clinical trials, surveys and other research studies, and genetic studies, as well as donating to tissue banks. Click the link to learn more about how you can get involved.
Phone Number: 800-344-4867
transportation assistance
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Transportation Grants: Funding for transportation to a neurologist or MS Center, in partnership with Lyft and Uber. This program also provides funding for paratransit services and minor care pairs.
Phone Number: 954-776-6805 OR 888-673-6287
other
Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Sorority, Inc.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
This organization aims to support and aid women with multiple sclerosis in all areas and aspects of need. Their goal is to foster sisterhood and true friendship while also cultivating leaders in the MS community who will actively join the fight to end multiple sclerosis forever.
Equipment Distribution Program: Offering an extensive inventory of Daily Living Aids at no charge for qualifying clients, as well as cooling equipment. Additionally, the program provides information and referrals, legislative advocacy, and indirect financial assistance for MRI, as well as a twice annual magazine.
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Assistive Technology Program: Funding for aide equipment for daily living, including mobility devices, communications devices, orthotics, and vision, hearing and incontinence supplies.
Brighter Tomorrow Grant: Cyclical program from June to September each year. Through this grant, they provide funding for items that will improve the quality of life for individuals with MS. Items that are available are things like mattresses, front loading washers/dryers, exercise equipment, etc.
Computer Program: Funding for a laptop computer or a desktop computer with a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Access to the internet through a computer enables those with MS to join online support groups, MS communities and to access disease information.
Cooling Program: Funding for equipment such as cooling vests, hats, writbands and neckbands that are designed to allow those with MS to perform outdoor activities during the summer months. This is a cyclical program runs from February to June each year.
Phone Number: 954-776-6805 OR 888-673-6287
ReLeafPack
ReLeafPack — touted as a solution that makes “cold therapy a magical experience” — is a soft, long-lasting ice pack. Plus, they come in cute designs and different sizes, and don’t leave you with a watery mess. Even better, you can order your own ReLeafpack or ReLeafbuddy at a discount. Just enter the coupon code WAI20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order!
Phone Number: 800-532-7667
United Spinal (MS)
VetsFirst: United Spinal’s VetsFirst program serves all veterans with disabilities, and their families and caregivers through direct claims representation, and their online resource and call center.
The comprehensive resource directory is available, and if you are unable to find an answer to your question(s), or need direct assistance, please complete the AskVetsFirst contact form, and a representative will call you directly.
Phone Number: 718-803-3782