Walking for a cause

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive incurable disease of the central nervous system in which the simplest everyday tasks can no longer be taken for granted. To spread awareness about this crippling disease, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) organized the Fifth MS Walk on November 16, 2008 at The Dadar Parsee Colony Gymkhana in which 1,500 persons took part. Patients, caregivers, supporters, well-wishers and volunteers were among the participants, an e-mail sent by honorary secretary of the Society Anaita Vesuvala informed Parsiana.

Established in 1985, MSSI is the only registered charitable organization that offers support to MS patients in every possible way. Its brand ambassador, model Milind Soman was present at the Walk, as was film director Mahesh Bhatt. Also in attendance were eminent neurologist Dr Noshir Wadia and Dr Joy Desai, who were introduced by Sheela Chitnis, honorary national secretary, MSSI. Wadia is engaged in ongoing research on MS among Parsis and, as per a survey conducted by him the community accounts for the maximum percentage of MS cases recorded in India, the e-mail notes this grim statistic.

Affecting the brain and spinal cord, MS damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the body. Symptoms can include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, sensations such as numbness, prickling or "pins and needles” and thinking and memory problems. No one knows what causes MS. It may be an autoimmune disease, one where the body attacks itself. It often begins between the ages of 20 and 40, affecting more women than men. Usually the disease is mild, but some patients lose the ability to write, speak or walk. There is no cure for MS, but medicines may help to slow it down and help control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy may also help, according to information gleaned from Mediline Plus, an Internet service providing health information.

(Clockwise from top left): Dadar Athornan Madressa group; Shiamak Davar’s VAF group; judges for Fifth MS Walk (L to R): Nauheed Cyrusi, Dinoo Dossabhoy, Zarine Engineer, Arzan Khambatta and Birjoo Mehta

Judging the groups participating in the Walk were Zarine Engineer, Dinoo Dossabhoy, Nauheed Cyrusi, Arzan Khambatta and Birjoo Mehta, prominent Dadar residents who offered support to the cause. Boys of Dadar’s Athornan Boarding Parsee Madresssa along with principal Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, the Zoroastrian Boy Scouts, The J. B. Vachha High School for Parsi Girls and The Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly High School were among the participating groups. There were many others who urged people not to "walk away” but to make a difference by "walking along,” the e-mail adds. An extravagant dance show by Shiamak Davar’s Victory Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings joy to the underprivileged, as well as the challenged and visually impaired followed. Many other non-governmental organizations also participated, the e-mail mentions. Vesuvala and her team of dedicated volunteers worked hard to make the event a success.

Along with MS Societies in 49 countries, MSSI is affiliated to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). Initially it was believed that MS was rare in India, but with modern diagnostic aids more and more cases are being recorded. The MSSI serves over 463 patients in Bombay and 3,000 all over India through its branches in Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyde­rabad, Kerala, Madras and Poona. Its aim is to lighten the burden by providing services like counseling, regular home physiotherapy, home nursing, home visits by social workers, home help for caregivers, medical reimbursements, providing MS injections at concessional rates, supplementary medicines donated by pharmaceutical companies, aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, air/water beds and incontinence products. The MSSI also helps MS patients to get disability certificates so that they can avail of a host of benefits offered by the government. MSSI organizes free medical camps, seminars and workshops, recreational programs for patients and their families, the e-mail lists.

The Fifth MS Walk was successful in creating awareness as well as raising funds for ongoing patient care activities, Vesuvala says. Donations, sponsorships are welcome and are exempted from income tax under Section 80G. Cheques may be sent to Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, Bombay Chapter, 259, Seeta Sadan, flat no 2, ground fl, Sion (W), Bombay 400022. For further information, please telephone 24037390/99.