World Ms Day, Wed 27 May

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MEDIA RELEASE  

26 May 2009


THE FIRST WORLD MS DAY

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2009


GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO HIGHLIGHT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS




The first coordinated global initiative to highlight the proliferation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is being

launched this Wednesday 27 May with more than 200 events in 61 countries in a concerted effort to

"join up" thinking and awareness of the disease around the world.


In the lead-up to this first ever World MS Day, US climber Lori Schneider has reached the summit

of Mt Everest and is believed to be the first person with diagnosed MS to stand at the top of

the world.  


Rock group U2 has lent support through the use of its song "Beautiful Day" for the global

campaign film showing the "1000 faces of Multiple Sclerosis," which will be released on 00.01 GMT

Wednesday 27 May.


And in Australia: In Perth, the CEO of the MS Society of WA, Mr Marcus Stafford will abseil

from the roof of Perth’s tallest building, Central Park in the CBD, 200m above the ground on

Wednesday 27 May at 10.30am.


In Brisbane, a reception called ‘Charcot’s Champions’ will take place on World MS Day to

honour Qld top donors and fundraisers at Government House with the Queensland Governor Ms

Penelope Wensley AO.  Jean Charcot was the first doctor to diagnose MS in 1868. 


World MS Day will be the launch pad for the national week of recognition - MS Awareness Week

that takes place across Australia from 1-7 June, 2009.   For details on Australian MS Society’s and

activities go to: www.msaustralia.org.au


MS is one of the most common neurological diseases amongst people in their 20s and 30s around

the world.  MS affects at least twice as many women as men. Up to 60% of people diagnosed with

MS will suffer long-term disability. So far, there is no proven cause and no cure.  An estimated

18,000 Australians live with MS.



ENDS

Notes to media:

The 4-minute U2 film is now available under embargo until 00.01 GMT Wednesday 27 May, for

viewing at the following link:


By entering the following details:

username: filmpreview

password: nxP2DS (this is case sensitive)

Interviews with MS Australia medical experts to discuss Australian medical experts, State

CEO’s of local MS Society’s in each state, and people who are living with MS in each state.


Contact:

Natalie Cameron

Phone 0411 740 570

natalie@nrccommunications.com







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