World MS Day is officially marked on 30 May every year. It is a day that brings the global MS community together to celebrate solidarity and hope for the future.
World MS Day brings the global MS community together on 30 May to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.
The 2024 World MS Day theme is 'My MS Diagnosis’, focussing on navigating the early stages after diagnosis. In particular, this year MS Plus will focus on the importance of building informed, caring communities and systems that support people diagnosed with MS.
'My MS Diagnosis: It Takes a Village' is about recognising and celebrating the diverse people, systems and services that support people with MS.
Finding and nurturing a 'village' — whatever that may look like — after diagnosis and beyond, creates a vital network to help people with MS to live their best lives.
We’re hosting a range of events throughout May to mark World MS Day 2024, to help our MS community to celebrate their own village, including your partners at MS Plus.
2024 events
- 'My MS Diagnosis: It Takes a Village' themed webinars:
[webinar]
I think I've got MS — what now?
Monday 27 May, 5:30pm–6:15pm
If you've researched online or had similar symptoms to someone you know with MS and are worried that you may have MS, this webinar is for you. In this pre-recorded discussion we talk to Dr Therese Burke, MS Nurse and researcher and answer the common questions people have when they are concerned they have MS. Following this, MS Nurse Jodi Haartsen will then be available to answer questions.
Watch now
[podcast]
“It’s going to be ok” — What I’d tell my newly diagnosed self
Like many other people living with MS, Fatima was constantly misdiagnosed while experiencing a myriad of symptoms. Fatima's story delves into the importance of persistence in seeking medical help, the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis, and the gradual process of acceptance and adjustment as a person living with a new diagnosis.
Fatima talks about how she built her village of support people, including the integration of physical and mental health supports to help her continue to live well with MS.
Listen now
- MS Walk Run + Roll in Canberra, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney.
We hosted FREE activities at the MS Plus Services Tent in Melbourne, Sunday 19 May and Sydney Sunday 26 May. In addition to plenty of information about services and supports available if you or a loved on is living with MS, there were lots of activities for the whole family. Participants were able to:- take the kids on a hunt to find Bernard the Bear: a fun way for the family to learn more about MS and its impact
- grab a FREE coffee or tea
- visit our MS ‘village’ and write a thank you to someone or pledge their support for someone living with MS
- MS Plus Virtual Art Show award ceremony.
This year our artists explored the 'My MS Diagnosis: It Takes a Village' theme, and what the 'village means to them.
View the full MS Plus Virtual Art Show Gallery now. - Learn, try and connect with MS Plus Wellbeing Centres
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We hosted Open Days at our Footscray, Blackburn and Hobart Wellbeing Centres in May.
Clients, friends and family came along to:- Learn from our team of allied health professionals, with topics like 5 minutes to better balance, 5 simple meal ideas and 5 tips for thriving at work
- Try out our neuro gyms and check out the equipment and classes on offer
- Connect with their village for morning tea.
- The May 50K
This May, you smashed your fitness goals as you helped to raise funds to support life-changing research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Visit The May 50K website for the latest participant numbers and to see how much we raised for people living with MS!
More information is also available on the official World MS Day website.