News

Hello MS Alliance Community!

We’re excited to announce a special twist to our April Second Saturday Social! As many of you know, April is a busy month for us as we participate in the Walk MS with the National MS Society. This year, the walk coincides with our usual Second Saturday Social date, so we’re combining the two for a fun, post-walk celebration!

Instead of our usual gathering at the office, we’ll be meeting at Tacos Rojas in Salem, VA, on Saturday, April 12 after the Walk MS event.

Where: Tacos Rojas, 1416 S Colorado St., Salem, VA

Time: Immediately following the Walk MS event beginning at 12:30 as people finish the walk.

We thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to gather after the walk, share our experiences, and enjoy some delicious food together. Tacos Rojas offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for our community to connect and relax.

As always, our Second Saturday Socials are a vital part of our mission to combat isolation and bring together individuals living with MS. We believe this combined event will create an even stronger sense of community and support.

Please Note:

• This is a change from our regular office-based Second Saturday Social.
• Participants are responsible for their own meals and beverages at Tacos Rojas.
• Please feel free to join us even if you are not participating in the Walk MS. We would still love to see you there!

We understand that changes to our regular schedule can sometimes be confusing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to msav4hope@gmail.com if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you all at Tacos Rojas for a wonderful Second Saturday Social!

Let’s walk together, eat together, and connect together!

Warmly,

The MS Alliance of Virginia Team

The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV) is overflowing with gratitude for the incredible success of our March is MS Awareness and Rejuvenation Weekend, held at the beautiful Bent Mountain Lodge. The peaceful and scenic setting provided the perfect backdrop for a day of education, connection, and support.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this event so special. Your dedication has made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by MS in our community.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our primary sponsor, TG Therapeutics, for their unwavering commitment to patient care. We were honored to have Dr. Rahul Davé, sponsored by TG Therapeutics, as our keynote speaker. His insightful presentation provided valuable information and inspiration to our attendees.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Genentech, Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI), Cycle Pharma and Polar. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you to David and Ginger McDonald, the exceptional owners of Bent Mountain Lodge. Their hospitality and accommodating spirit created a warm and welcoming environment for our event. The serene setting truly enhanced the experience for everyone.

We were also fortunate to have a team of dedicated medical specialists who participated in roundtable discussions, providing personalized insights and answering attendees’ questions. Their expertise and willingness to share their knowledge were invaluable.

And, of course, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the attendees who joined us. Your presence and engagement made the event a resounding success. Your willingness to learn, share, and connect created a powerful sense of community.

This year’s event allowed the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia to:

• Provide a peaceful and informative environment for people affected by MS.

• Facilitate meaningful connections between patients, medical professionals, and support organizations.

• Increase awareness about MS and the resources available to those living with the condition.

• Strengthen our community and support network.

We are inspired by the resilience and strength of the MS community and are committed to continuing our work to provide a sense of community, education, and advocacy.

Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible. Your support is making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by MS in Virginia.

We are thrilled to introduce you to Marion Thomas MSN, NP-C! Marion has worked with our beloved Dr. Carlos Mora since 2023, and she is eager to continue the exceptional care he has provided to our MS community. Marion brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for working with patients living with multiple sclerosis. She has a strong background in neurology, having worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to this field led her to specialize in neurology as a nurse practitioner, and her commitment to providing holistic care for individuals with chronic conditions makes her a perfect fit for our team. Marion believes in connecting with her patients, fostering open communication, and empowering them to actively participate in their care. She is particularly interested in the latest advancements in MS treatment, including disease-modifying therapies and the emerging role of the gut microbiome in MS development and management. She is a Roanoke native and deeply committed to serving the needs of our local MS community.

To help you get to know Marion better, we recently sat down with her for a Q&A session:

What inspired you to specialize in neurology, and specifically, what drew you to working with patients who have Multiple Sclerosis?

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center, and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. So, my background and passion have always been neurologically focused. I knew when I became a Nurse Practitioner I wanted to continue with my passion in the field of neurology. When I was approached by our management team asking me to work alongside Dr. Mora to serve the MS community through Carilion, I wanted to do research into the disease prior to accepting the position, as I believe you have to love what you do in healthcare in order to make a positive impact. Once I started learning about multiple sclerosis, and how it does not limit itself by demographic, sex, or age, and the holistic approach to treatment, including all of the advances over the past 40 years, I knew this would be a subspecialty I would not only enjoy but feel as though I could make a positive impact by being a part of caring for these patients.

What is your philosophy of care when working with patients with chronic conditions like MS?

I desire to connect with my patients, which opens an opportunity for vulnerability and the real ability to provide the holistic care that I aspire to provide. I think multiple sclerosis and many other chronic neurological conditions require an approach that looks at the person as a whole and therefore needs to be treated as such.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with MS patients for you?

Patients living with multiple sclerosis are some of the most self-aware patients that I serve. They have been forced to get to know their bodies in a way many of them likely thought they never could. They are often in tune with their needs as well as what works for managing their care and what does not. This inspires me to ensure that I am including them in all decisions that are made about their care. Having patients that are motivated about their health and quality of life is always rewarding.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see in providing care for MS patients, and how do you address them?

The most obvious challenge is that I am not a physician, which means my scope of knowledge has its limitations. With that being said, I have established relationships with other individuals in the healthcare system and beyond who have an extensive knowledge of treating MS, and I am always willing to reach out to them in challenging situations. MS is also a very individualized disease, meaning that no patient presents the same, which can pose challenges in care, as what works for one patient may not work for the next. However, I find this to be an inspiring challenge as it forces me as a healthcare provider to develop a greater knowledge and expand my approach to managing symptoms that the disease may cause.

What are some of the most exciting advancements you’ve seen in MS treatment and research in recent years, and where do you see the future of MS treatments heading in the next 5-10 years?

The most exciting advancement is the disease-modifying therapies that continue to be developed that target the disease in a better way, but also in a way that has potentially fewer side effects for patients and are easier to use, such as infusions and once-to-twice-yearly treatment instead of daily or weekly. I see the future of MS as broad, including more disease-modifying therapies and symptom management options.

Are there any particular areas of MS research or treatment that you are particularly interested in or involved with?

I think MS research is constantly evolving in terms of therapies, which is exciting in terms of the future of MS. However, one area I am particularly interested in is the influence of the gut microbiome in the development and management of MS. We are starting to understand the significant role that the gut plays in predisposing patients to MS as well as influencing their disease progression. This is also an area that can be managed through lifestyle and diet changes, which means it is cost-effective and easier to obtain than many of the medications used to treat symptoms of MS.

What can patients expect when they come to see you for their MS care?

I treat all of my patients with kindness, respect, and empathy. I always want to ensure that my patients know we are a team, and I will never make decisions without them, as this is their body and health journey. I want patients to always feel heard and comfortable with the care they receive from me. I tend to take a holistic approach with my care for MS patients as this is a condition that involves every part of their body; therefore, integrating things such as lifestyle changes, therapies, diet, and developing a support system is important to me in managing their symptoms and chronic condition.

Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you or your practice?

Being a Roanoke native, I know that there is a major need in this community for passionate and accessible care for the MS population. I strive to advocate for our MS patients and make sure they feel supported through their healthcare and community.

We are confident that Marion Thomas will be a valuable asset to our community and a compassionate advocate for our MS patients. Please join us in making her feel welcome to our MS team.

A friend of mine went hiking alone during the warmer months of early autumn. Before he left, he contacted several of his friends via a group chat and let us know when and where he intended to start and the location where he planned to camp for the night. He then designated a time and place where he’d exit the woods and promised that he’d send a message when he was back home. At the time, I remember thinking that he’d essentially left us a five-point contingency plan. Read full story by clicking HERE…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 31, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a resounding judgment in the class action case Brown, et al v. District of Columbia, finding that the District of Columbia has violated the rights of D.C. residents with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Read full story HERE….

We are excited to announce that the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia has formed a team for the National MS Society Walk, taking place on Saturday April 12, 2025 at Rivers Edge in Roanoke. We warmly invite you to join our MSAV team and be part of this meaningful event.

Our team is unique because we do not ask people living with MS for money. Instead, we kindly request a $10 donation from each team member. This contribution will secure your spot on the team, provide you with our exclusive team shirt, and cover participation in the walk. After the event, we’ll continue the camaraderie with a group lunch, as we’ve enjoyed in past years.

We understand the financial challenges of living with MS. If the $10 donation is a barrier to your participation, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring everyone can join without impacting the funding for the Alliance of Virginia. Our goal is to support the National Society’s research and resources while maintaining our local programs and services.

To register for our team, please use the link attached. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact our team captain, Hugh Hall, at heelstar2000@yahoo.com.

Thank you for considering joining us in this important cause. Together, we can make a difference!

https://events.nationalmssociety.org/team/80948

Dating someone with a chronic illness, like MS, is a scary proposition to most people. Fear of the unknown, concern over declining health, fear over their abilities, etc. The list goes on and on. When it comes to dating, it’s easy to find reasons to give up on someone. I thought I’d come up with a different list for those who might consider dating someone with a chronic illness, reasons why it’s a good idea.  Read full story by clicking HERE.

Being of the scientific persuasion, I’ve been quick to judge “alternative” treatments and stuck to well-tested, peer-reviewed ones — the more clinical, the better. So mindfulness has always felt like a bit of a stretch for me.

Deciding to start mindfulness with MS

Deciding to give it an honest try didn’t happen overnight and was preceded by countless eye rolls from yours truly. But the practice started to show up everywhere I turned, so I decided to try it. Read full story by clicking HERE.

A new website aims to provide support to caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The site, MS Care Partner Connection, brings together information on how caregivers can care for themselves while tending to those living with the disease, how to navigate the healthcare system, and how to plan for a better financial future. It includes an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can answer questions.

Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis launched the site with support from EMD Serono’s Embracing Carers initiative.

Read full story HERE…

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary from person to person and may change over time. But for nearly 70 percent of individuals with MS, symptoms include bowel problems like constipation, diarrhea, incontinence (loss of bowel control), and diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches that form in the digestive tract). Bowel problems can result from MS’ impact on the body or from unrelated issues, including food sensitivities, lack of fiber, or dehydration.

Many MyMSTeam members report bowel problems. One member said it feels like their days “revolve around the bathroom,” while another noted that bowel issues are limiting their quality of life.

If you have bowel problems, it’s a good idea to understand what causes them, what the symptoms are, and how you can manage them. Read full story HERE….

Treatment with Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) significantly reduces relapse rates for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and most MS patients on the approved therapy remain free from disability progression for several years.

That’s according to a final analysis from the Phase 4 ESTEEM clinical trial (NCT02047097), which tracked outcomes from Tecfidera treatment among more than 5,100 MS patients. The results also did not reveal any unexpected safety issues with the long-approved therapy, the researchers noted. Read full story HERE.

IRX4204, a compound that Io Therapeutics is developing to treat neurological diseases, facilitated myelin repair and improved walking abilities in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a recent study, scientists report.

“Our findings support the therapeutic potential of IRX4204 to promote functional neurologic recovery in MS, a long-sought therapeutic objective in the MS research community,” George S. Robertson, PhD, a study co-author at Dalhousie University in Canada and lead scientist for this work, said in a company press release. Read full story HERE.

Most treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) don’t increase the risk of major problems when used during pregnancy, an analysis showed.

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014. Over the past 10 years, my MS has been managed by five healthcare providers.

That’s not how I envisioned my MS care. I’ve had the same primary care provider for almost 20 years, and I naively thought I’d be able to do the same for my MS specialists.

I received my diagnosis from a neurologist who wasn’t an MS specialist. Before then, I spent 18 years dealing with neurological symptoms that were unexplained or misdiagnosed. The neurologist ordered multiple medical tests, which finally led to my diagnosis. Read more HERE…

It’s true and I know a good majority of you have thought the same thing. If we only knew then, what we know now, we would have acted sooner rather than later.

My journey began sometime around 1985. I assumed my physical changes were due to getting older and I adjusted to my new normal. My continual adjustments went on for 19 years. In 2003 I began having trouble walking straight, walking while talking with someone, blurry vision, and walking a few blocks without getting dizzy. Read full story HERE….

Tiziana Life Sciences is expanding its Phase 2 clinical trial testing foralumab nasal spray for the treatment of nonactive secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), with six additional clinical sites across the northeastern region of the U.S.

Too often, I’d find myself amid joyful moments with loved ones, struggling to keep irritability at bay. At those times, my mind would stagger between living in the happiness of the moment or an overwhelming sense of overstimulation, annoyance, and frustration. Most of the time, the irritability took over.

When that prevailed, my patience would wear thin, and agitation and grumpiness would fill every molecule of my body. My sensitivity to sounds would increase tenfold, I’d experience hot flashes, and my body would feel uneasy. All of those further amplified my mood and made me snappy. I couldn’t predict how long these episodes would last, so I practiced positive thinking to overcome them.

Afterward, I’d spend days replaying those behaviors because…read full story HERE.

Two enzymes in brain cells are responsible for mediating the toxic effects of certain fat molecules in multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study in a mouse model of the disease suggests.

According to the researchers, these enzymes may serve as potential targets for easing neurodegeneration in people with MS.

“This new information points to a specific metabolic pathway through which dietary fats can worsen MS symptoms,” Damien Marechal, PhD, coauthor of the study at City University of New York (CUNY), said in a university news story.

The findings build on a growing body of research that indicates a diet with too much fat — especially the saturated fats abundant in fried and processed foods — can have negative impacts on health for those with MS, the researchers noted….READ FULL STORY HERE…

Since its inception, efforts to criminalize marijuana and to stigmatize those who consume it have been based upon hyperbole, stereotypes and outright lies.

The initial push for cannabis criminalization, which began in earnest more than a century ago, had little to do with preserving public health or safety. Instead, the move to prosecute cannabis users was based primarily on sensationalism and xenophobia.

For instance, a July 6, 1927 story in the New York Times, headlined “Mexican Family Goes Insane,” farcically claimed: “A widow and her four children have been driven insane by eating the marijuana plant, according to doctors, who say there is no hope of saving the children’s lives and that the mother will be insane for the rest of her life.”  Read full story HERE..