Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Inc.

I live in Austin, Texas and am 68 years old. I have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and have an income of $1,300/month. I am in need of a scooter and cannot afford one. I have been scrolling through this site for over two hours and cannot seem to find the right nonprofit organization that would be willing to donate one to me. I can walk with a forearm cane but for any long ventures I need a scooter. If anyone can suggest to me where to start, I would appreciate it.

I was diagnosed in 1996, before symptoms started. I am a pianist, suddenly unable to open my hands wide enough to get 8 keys. Nobody in my family had MS, nor my grandparents. Last year a cousin younger than me had MS, she is 40. I have primary progressive MS. I do not walk for the last 18 years, I was born in 1962. I have had 6 strokes and 1 heart attack.The Rebif (beta-1a) did very little to help me. The medical team did even less. After roughly five unending years of trauma in the family my MS developed into progressive. There have been many changes in the last 3 to 4 years. Many falls, many fractured bones, and three moves all in five years. I have gone downhill. Considerably. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, My care provider Dr Miller introduced me to Kycuyu Health Clinic & their MS herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle! I Adhere anyone reading this to try natural approach. visit www. kycuyuhealthclinic . c o m

How can this charity be 3-star rated by CharityNavigator and 4-star rated by Guidestar reviewers when they dedicate less than 1/2 of revenues (44.3%) to "programs" and OVER half (51.6%) of revenues to FUNDRAISING? It seems that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (81% of revenues to programs) is a much better "charitable investment".

I am a donor and friend of two people who are Multiple Sclerosis patients. Both receive wonderful support and advice from this group. Their lives are made better through the work of these people and I am appreciative of their hepl.

I was phone solicited today and found the agent who called to be unlistening and disrespectful of my views. I understand that the fundraiser's goal is to get me to give money, but to continue arguing with me after I explain my reasons for not donating not once, but 3 times, really rubs me the wrong way. I would not EVER contribute to this organization.

I am writing this review both as a client served and a volunteer.

When my wife was diagnosed with MS three years ago and we sought out information and assistance, this organization was the first one to step forward with the programs and services they provided to the MS person and their family.

The quality of the programs they provide and the compassion shown to us were nothing short of exceptional. They did more than anyone could expect and made the information available to us to live with this dreadful disease.

From their mobility equipment, cooling and lending library programs, they have made our life and more importantly my wife's quality of life much better.

Since moving here to Arizona, we have also had the opportunity to attend their patient education programs. Again, mere words do not do justice when you talk about the quality of their programs. They are just outstanding. We recently had the opportunity to volunteer and not just attend, a program designed for children of parents with MS. The program was both moving and inspiring and brought tears to our eyes at times. The presenters of the program were very well familiar with the issues that we as parents face about what to tell our children about MS. The children also got to get a feel for what their parent is going through as well.

The MSAA is a spectular organizaion who lives up to its mission statement and they definitely take the "do no harm to the MS patient and their family or support system approach."

They are a leader for other MS organizations to follow and need to be given all the appropriate credit in that respect.

Finally I would like to say that having started an "MS Encouragement Group" here in Arizona, I can't say enough about how valuable the information and programs they provided and in particular to our members have helped enhance their quality of life as well.

Its very comforting to know that we have this great resource available to not only ourselves but to our members and that when you call, they are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and step in to see how they can help. They oftentimes offer help you did not even know was available.

What a valuable resource to the MS Community.