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
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
NEWS 
