MS: Busting the Myths
April 8, 2025 | Life with MS, News
As a member of the MS International Federation (MSIF), MSNZ is once again proud to be involved with World MS Day, which is officially marked on 30 May each year.
World MS Day is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS). Each year, the MS movement comes together to educate the public about MS and its impact on the lives of more than 2.8 million people worldwide.
The theme for 2025 continues with the 2024 theme ‘My MS Diagnosis’. This campaign advocates for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS. It highlights the ongoing barriers to diagnosing MS, sharing real stories and data to raise awareness. We are calling for better MS training for healthcare professionals, greater research, and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis. Together, we are building informed, supportive communities and systems that empower those diagnosed with MS to live their fullest lives.
Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with MS. MSIF’s powerful animation explores the challenges people face while navigating an MS diagnosis. It underscores why the right diagnosis matters so much and how crucial it is to get it early. This animation features the real voices of people living with MS across the globe, including Jonathan, Rayan, Leonardo, Kanya, and Jessica, who share their personal diagnosis stories.
We are privileged to re-share with you some of our MS communities personal diagnosis stories. We spoke with Nikki, Rachel and Zazi about their journey to diagnosis and what obstacles stood in their way to receiving a timely diagnosis. Michael shares with us his diagnosis story, highlighting that it is not always doom and gloom and sometimes gaining a timely diagnosis can be achieved. Read their stories below:
Sharing YOUR diagnosis story with our MS Community can have a profound impact. Your story could offer hope, support, and understanding to others who are navigating similar experiences. It creates connections, fosters empathy, and strengthens our collective voice in advocating for better care, research, and resources. By sharing your journey, you contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding MS, encouraging others to seek help, and inspiring the change we need to make the MS diagnosis process more accessible and timely for everyone.
We invite you to share your personal story and become a part of this global movement. Together, we can build a more informed, compassionate, and supportive community for all those living with MS. Email info@msnz.org.nz or call 03 366 2581 / 0800 675 463.
