TEAM BRETT

"MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to demyelination.MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals. The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (scleroses – better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin. Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. Theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found.

Almost any neurological symptom can appear with the disease, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks (relapsing forms) or slowly accumulating over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances."

WIKIPEDIA : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sclerosis


I know four people with this disease. Ten years ago, I knew none. For some reason it is becoming more prevalent. Although advances have been made,there is still no cure.

I have two friends whose sons have MS. Both are in their 30's, married with children. Both are, thankfully, still able to work, although their symptoms are increasing. It is a frightening thing to live with....both for the person afflicted and for their families.

The other two that I know with this disease are both women, one of whom has had it a number of years and is now in a wheelchair. The other, quite uncharacteristic of the disease, was only recently diagnosed and is in her 50s.

Research for any disease is costly. Some diseases get more publicity than others. Some have celebrities that help push research forward. Other diseases seem to gain more sympathy and therefore, more is given to that research. For most of us, we do not give a lot of thought to any of these diseases until it reaches home. Then, it moves to the top of our priority list.

Today I am asking you to move MS to the top of your priority list and to make a contribution for the funding of research for this debiliating disease. You can do so by going to the website below and making a contribution in the name of one of the 4 individuals I spoke of above. His name is Brett Kern.

Brett, as well as the thousands of others in the country who are suffering from this disease, will be grateful for your contribution. Any amount will help. Every dollar brings them one step closer to a cure. And as you give, please say a prayer for Brett, asking the Lord to slow the progression of his disease and for a cure to be found SOON!!!


http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/teambrett