How to help: Facts and myths

Can you separate fact from myth? Test your "MS IQ"!

If I can't afford a donation, there's nothing I can do to help.
This is a myth. Many people may be worried that they can't help if they can't afford to donate money. Fortunately, this is not true! Even if you don't have cash to spare, you can still donate your time and skills. Ways to help include participating in MS Walks and MS Bike Tours or volunteering your time with your local MS society chapter. Whatever you have to offer will be welcome!

If someone doesn't ask for my help, then they don't need it.
This is a myth. It's hard for any of us to ask for help, and for people with MS it can be even harder. They may struggle with feelings of guilt or fear of losing their independence. So don't be afraid to offer your help, even if you haven't been asked.

If I help people with MS, I might catch it.
This is a myth! MS is not contagious, so you cannot catch it by helping someone with MS.

There is hope for a cure.
This is a fact. Researchers are tackling the problem of MS from many different angles, and new discoveries are getting us ever closer to a cure. Some of the current areas of MS research include repairing the damaged myelin, stopping the immune system's attack on myelin, investigating the connections between MS and viruses, learning more about genetic risk factors for MS, finding faster ways to diagnose MS, and helping people with MS cope.

One person can make a difference.
This is a fact. Many people have individually raised tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for MS by taking part in MS Walks or MS Bike Tours. And it's not only about money – each individual person can have an impact by volunteering, helping a friend or loved one with MS, or increasing MS awareness in their community.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Ways-to-Help