As I reflect on the past 10 years, the experience of seeing someone very close to me deal with Multiple Sclerosis, has given me a new appreciation for living life. This comes from the extraordinary courage, positive attitude and determination of my wife Maria, who was diagnosed 11 years ago. She has inspired me to compose the song “You Believe In Me”, with lyrics written by Dan Redican (English), and Gaetano Monoco (Italian)

Multiple Sclerosis affects different people in different ways. Here are some facts about the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The disease affects the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system, causing inflammation, and often destroying the myelin in patches. In its most common form, Multiple Sclerosis has well-defined attacks, followed by partial or complete recovery. The severity of MS and the specific symptoms of the disease cannot be predicted.

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 55,000-75,000 Canadians afflicted. Multiple Sclerosis most often affects young adults – between the ages of 15 and 40 – during their career and family-building years. Women develop MS more than three times as often as men.

To date there is no known cause or cure for Multiple Sclerosis. However, there is hope. Over the past year, the MS Society of Canada has funded new research studies and services for individuals and their families affected by MS. This includes funding for the MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children, the first in North America dedicated exclusively to pediatric MS patients.