National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter

Serving those affected by MS in 12 counties in Southern and Central California, we provide health and wellness programs, continuum-of-care services, and fund promising MS research. 310-479-4456

How do you help people in my community?

The Southern California Chapter provides services to 14,500 individuals with multiple sclerosis, plus their 87,000 family and loved ones affected by multiple sclerosis in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties.

Programs and services range from information and referral; support groups and professional counseling; financial assistance; adaptive exercise classes; wellness, education and research programs; caregiver relief; a continuum of long term care services and care management; and other services for people affected by multiple sclerosis. 

In addition, the Chapter helps the Society to fund $50 million annually in research projects to determine the cause, advance therapies and find the cure for MS.  Currently the MS Society has nearly $9 million in worth of research funding in force at UCLA, USC and the Brentwood Biomedical Research Center.

Why do you need my support?

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The National MS Society’s Southern California Chapter keeps its fundraising costs to a minimum (less than 15%) in order to ensure that your gift supports the most promising MS research as well as local programs and services for people with MS.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elicia Lopez, Sr. Development Manager at (310) 479-4456 or elicia.lopez@cal.nmss.org..

Can I Volunteer? How?

The National MS Society is a non profit organization and relies heavily on the help of volunteers just like you.  Whether you’re interested in staffing a special event like our Walk MS or Bike MS, helping to secure much needed resources, leading a support group, interning, advocating on behalf of those with MS, or any number of other volunteer opportunities, we need your support!  If you’re interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact Tiffany Jordan at (310) 479-4456 or tiffany.jordan@cal.nmss.org..