RealTalk MS Jon Strum

Many people living with MS decide to leave the workforce prematurely because they aren't aware of all of their employment-related options. Like so many other aspects of living with multiple sclerosis, managing your employment requires a strategy.

My guest today is employment and disability expert Dr. Phillip Rumrill, and we're devoting this entire episode of RealTalk MS to talk about the many aspects of unemployment that people living with MS need to know about.

Cognitive issues affect a majority of people living with MS and experts often recommend a cognitive assessment as the first step in managing cognitive dysfunction. But what's that cognitive assessment all about?

Cathy Chester has been living with MS since 1986 and she just recently underwent her own 3-hour cognitive assessment. Cathy is joining me to walk us through her experience. And if you're wondering what a cognitive assessment is and how it might help you, you won't want to miss our conversation.

Madison Copot was diagnosed with MS about 9 years ago, just before turning 13. And when she received her diagnosis, Madison was also told that she was too young to be seen by an MS specialist. Today, Madison is a 21-year old young woman, and if you want to hear what a real-life superhero sounds like, you won't want to miss my conversation with Madison.

The FDA has authorized a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. What does this mean for people living with MS? Are you eligible for a third dose now?

Dr. Nancy Sicotte joins me with an update on vaccines, variants, boosters, antibodies, and more. Dr. Sicotte is a professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Sicotte also Chairs the MS Society’s National Medical Advisory Committee and leads its COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group.

Imagine being able to see improvement in cognition, motor function, and self-esteem, while enhancing neurological functions like walking and speech without taking another pill or even breaking a sweat. 

Joining me to talk about the evidence-based benefits that people living with MS can gain through music and art therapy are Dr. Meera Rastogi, Veronica DeNoma, and Betsy Hartman.

Last year alone, MS Activists helped to bring about these changes:

$10 Million increase in funding for the Congressionally-Directed MS Research Program

$3 Billion increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health

Sustained funding for the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System

Passage of the CREATES Act

Joining me to talk about what advocacy is all about and why it matters is MS Activist Jenna Green.