In Philadelphia: Research Shows Half of Local Residents Have a Connection to Multiple Sclerosis

PHILADELPHIA, PA–(Marketwire – Mar 7, 2012) – A new research study shows that one out of every two local residents knows someone living with multiple sclerosis. Because of these results, the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society is asking everyone who has a connection to MS to take action against the disease during National MS Awareness Week, March 12-18, 2012.

In order to establish a baseline measure of awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS), the chapter recently conducted a research study in the form of an online survey of a sample of 350 residents within the chapter’s broad service area, which includes the five-county Philadelphia metro area, the Lehigh Valley and Southern N.J. Results show that 50% of those polled know someone living with MS and 21% have a close connection such as a good friend or family member living with the disease.

“We’ve all heard the term ‘six degrees of separation,’ the idea that everyone is on average approximately six steps away, from any other person,” said Tami Caesar, president of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. “With 50 percent of local residents having a connection to MS, for us it’s more like two degrees of separation. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, co-worker or neighbor — we all know someone affected by MS.”