Dear Friends and Family of the MS Alliance

Let’s be real for a moment. The MS Alliance of Virginia was founded by and is run by individuals living with this unpredictable and often challenging disease. We all know that our journeys with Multiple Sclerosis can be crazy and full of ups and downs. With that in mind, we need to be realistic in our expectations of ourselves and each other. However, we also have something truly special—an organized group of compassionate individuals coming together to support one another.

As we move further into this new year, I want to reach out and share some thoughts. Typically, by this time, I have our plans, calendar, and speaker notes organized and ready to go. However, I find myself lagging behind, and I want to be open about that. This isn’t about feeling sorry for myself; rather, it’s a reminder that we are all navigating our own challenges, and that’s okay. What truly matters is that we are all pulling for the same goals and supporting one another along the way.

The MS Alliance of Virginia is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, born from a shared understanding of the challenges faced by those living with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Many of us have experienced the struggles and triumphs that come with this condition, which is why we are dedicated to creating a compassionate community where we can support one another.

Over the past few years, our organization has grown from a small support group to a thriving community of over 1,000 individuals. This growth has been both incredible and humbling, and it has shown us that there is a true need for the services and support we provide. Our mission is simple: to help one another navigate the complexities of MS, share resources, and foster connections.

As I reflect on my own journey with MS, I recognize the importance of having a network of understanding individuals. I have faced my own challenges recently, and it is the support of this community that has kept me going. I know that together, we can make a difference in each other’s lives.

As we embark on this new year, I am working on a major project to ensure that our contact list is up-to-date. If you could take a moment to share your current email address, mailing address, and phone number, I would greatly appreciate it. Additionally, I’d love to hear about your current needs and how we can support you better. Please find the form below to update your contact info or you can email your information to msav4hope@gmail.com.

We are also excited to reignite some of our beloved initiatives, like Cinderella’s Closet, and we are looking for volunteers to help us with various tasks. Whether you can lend a hand with phone calls, clerical work, or simply want to share your ideas, your involvement would be invaluable.

Moreover, March is MS Awareness Month, and we would love for you to consider being a voice in your community by seeking proclamations from local leaders. It’s a simple yet impactful way to raise awareness and support for our cause.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your presence and participation are what make our community special. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to make 2025 a year of growth, support, and connection.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Suzanne Oconnell
President/Founder/Volunteer

P.S. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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