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Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

An awareness observance in March raising public understanding of multiple sclerosis and supporting those living with the condition.

Monday
1–31
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEAll of March
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAwareness
ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
FIRST OBSERVED
2003
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation established Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month in 2003 to educate the public, support people with MS, and advocate for research.

Institutional Recordvia vancouver.wsu.edu
INTRO

Introduction

Let's come together to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during MS Awareness Month on March 1! This month is dedicated to bringing attention to the neurological disorder that affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide and is a cause that deserves our attention and support. With more research, education, and advocacy, we can make strides towards finding better treatments and cures for this debilitating condition. Now more than ever, it's important to join forces in fighting for improved quality of life for those living with MS.

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TIMELINE

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month Timeline

Discovery of MS

French neurologist, Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, is the first to recognize and describe multiple sclerosis as a distinct, separate disease.

Formation of NMSS

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is founded in United States to facilitate research and provide support for those suffering from the disease.

First MS Drug Approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the first drug, interferon beta-1b, specifically to treat multiple sclerosis.

First MS Awareness Month

The NMSS designates March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month to bring attention to the disease and its effects.

Progress in Research

Scientists discover that misfolded proteins in nerve fibers may play a role in multiple sclerosis, opening the avenue for potential new treatments.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Organize a walk

Organize a walk to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You can host it at a local park or in your neighborhood and encourage participants to donate to a MS charity of your choice.

CREATE

Create an online fundraiser

Set up an online fundraiser on a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe where anyone can donate to help research and treatments for MS.

SPREAD

Spread the word

Share information about MS on social media. Post facts, quotes, and stories that help spread awareness of the disease.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Volunteer with a local organization that supports people living with MS. You can help out with fundraising events, provide respite care, or help out in other ways.

WRITE

Write a letter

Write a letter to your local representative or state legislator to ask them to increase funding for MS research and treatments.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is Important

It supports research for possible treatments and cures

Raising awareness during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month helps to generate donations and funding for further research into potential treatments or even cures for this condition. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a tremendous difference in slowing down the progression of multiple sclerosis - so any additional funds will be gratefully used to help improve medical care worldwide!

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month helps to raise awareness about this disease

Multiple sclerosis is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. By raising awareness during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, we can help spread knowledge about the signs and symptoms of this condition, as well as encourage people to get tested for early detection.

Spreading awareness encourages support and empathy

Multiple Sclerosis can be an isolated disease that is difficult to manage on a daily basis. Unfortunately, because it's not always visible to others, it can also be misunderstood or overlooked. Spreading awareness during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month helps people become more empathetic and better informed, which encourages greater acceptance and less judgemental attitudes towards those suffering with MS.

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