Mysterious crippler

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) is an NGO, the only one in India, which has taken up the cause for those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. MS is often referred to as the mysterious crippler of the young adult. Statistics show women to be more prone to this disease than men. It is neither fatal nor preventable or curable. MS disables a person to an extent that his normal routine life is disturbed abruptly incapacitating him to continue the job or profession.

Such persons need rehabilitation and look up to us for assistance and liaison. The immediate family members of the sufferer also undergo severe stress and hardships just providing care to the patient. We now have 41 female patients and 25 male patients with whom we regularly interact and care for in various ways.

Our expenditure is increasing manifold due to more number of patients contacting us. Fortunately early detection of the disease has now become possible, thanks to sophisticated diagnostic facilities. This is a good indication as identifying patients from hospital visits and department of neurology, whether confirmed with MS or MS suspects, is one of our important activities. We organize fundraiser projects frequently to generate funds and also to increase awareness.

The office bearers of MSSI are Ratti J. Ginwala, chairperson, Ramana Rajgopaul, honorary secretary and Harish Bhargava, honorary treasurer.

Please do support us in our efforts to fight MS and to help those affected by it. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of MS persons. Donations earmarked for this cause may be sent to MSSI, Flat B 109, Gera Landmark Condominium, 22/B, Kalyani Nagar, Poona, 411006. Tel: 020-26614779, e-mail: mssipune@ vsnl.net, mssipune@gmail.com website: www.mssi.info HEENA KERAWALA

Officer-Projects, Multiple Sclerosis Society of India