May 30, 2021
We are not alone: the global multiple sclerosis
community connects through the power of music
The
multiple sclerosis community is standing strong despite setback and challenges
from COVID-19. Now, the movement is rallying together to celebrate World MS Day
2021.
This World MS Day (30 May 2021), the
global MS movement is coming together through music to celebrate its solidarity
and connection.
Artists and performers from around
the world will take to the virtual stage for the global concert ‘Tune in for
MS’. This exciting event will feature the Global MS Choir, made up of 100
people from 24 countries, singing Beautiful Day in three languages –
English, Arabic and Spanish.
Click here to learn more about Tune-in for MS
Irini from Greece, a member of the
Global MS Choir, said:
‘When we had our first online rehearsal and the moment we opened
our cameras to say hi to each other I felt immediately touched by an unexpected
thought: “wow, all of us face the same MS issue, all of us love music and
all of us are smiling right now”. The feeling of connection to people around
the world was probably the best part of this experience.’
The choir is directed once again by
renowned choral director, Mark De-Lisser, and there will be appearances from
stars from across the global MS community. These include Spanish flamenco
dancer Nella Madarro, bhangra folk artist Amarjit Singh Heeranpuri, Portuguese
street artist Ezik and singer-songwriter Jack Frimston.
After the past year, coming together
in this way plays a vital role in keeping the global MS movement connected. The
full impact of the pandemic continues to unfold, but some consequences are
already crystal clear. It has left many MS organisations across the world
counting the costs – from deep financial losses to rehabilitation and care
services being threatened. Results from a survey run by the MS International
Federation (MSIF) reveal that 68% of MS organisations felt their support and
services have been at risk during this time.
Recently published data from the
Atlas of MS shows us that before the pandemic there was a high-unmet need for
rehabilitation and symptom management services around the world. 72% of
countries people with MS faced barriers in accessing disease modifying
therapies. 83% of countries worldwide had obstacles that prevented early
diagnosis of MS. Ongoing pressure on resources is only likely to exacerbate
this picture.
Despite the obstacles though, the MS
community remains hopeful. Global connection and solidarity have become more
important than ever before. International collaboration in MS research has
continued to push the boundaries in the search for a cure. The global MS
movement is stronger than ever after global MS experts worked closely to
provide essential COVID-19 advice for people with MS.
Now, the MS movement is rallying
together to raise awareness and campaign for a better future on World MS Day.
It’s year two of the MS Connections campaign, all about building community
connection, self-connection and connections to quality care.
Ceri Angood Napier, Deputy CEO of
the MS International Federation, comments:
‘It has been a challenging year but the global
MS community continues to demonstrate resilience and strength. This World MS
Day is an opportunity to advocate for better care and celebrate MS support
networks around the world. We hope for a brighter future for every single
person with MS – we know that together we are
stronger.’
Why
connections are so important for people affected by MS.
- Social barriers and stigma
exist that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated –
human connections can be an important way of breaking down these barriers
and improving quality of life with MS - Building communities that support and bring together
people affected by MS is at the heart of what the MSIF movement does. MS
organisations play a crucial role in connecting people with and affected
by MS. - Promoting self-care and healthy living with MS helps people with MS to have a positive outlook and in many cases,
manage symptoms. - Connecting with decision makers to advocate for better services and effective treatment is crucial for the 2.8
million people living with MS worldwide - Connecting people affected by MS to
MS research is vital, particularly during COVID-19. Only by
bringing people with MS and research together can we find potentially
life-saving answers, such as through the COVID-19 and MS global data sharing
initiative (GDSI) that MSIF launched in 2020 with its members and the
MS Data Alliance. The initiative continues to gather vital information on
COVID-19 in over 10,000 people with MS from 80 countries.
The World MS Day theme of
‘connections’ was chosen by the MS International Federation in February 2019,
well before the pandemic began, but it has taken on even more relevance in
current times. The 2021 campaign video ‘Not Alone’ highlights the importance of
MS support networks. The ongoing pandemic has made life with MS difficult for
many. Despite the circumstances, the global MS movement continues to
share powerful stories of hope and connection.
|
