Julianna Farella is a Public Education Ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). She was selected due to her continued efforts to increase public awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, while also helping individuals with Multiple Sclerosis learn to live full and productive lives. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that is unpredictable and has no cure. Multiple Sclerosis is a very common neurological disorder that affects mostly young adults.
Researchers believe that Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which is the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Covering the nerve fibers is a protective covering called myelin which helps the nerve fibers transmit electrical impulses. In MS patients, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. Possibly, the nerve fiber itself is damaged or destroyed. Besides providing protection to the nerve fibers, myelin also helps control nerve impulses to the nervous system. When the myelin is damaged, nerve impulses are interrupted resulting in different symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis resulting is partial or complete loss of function that is controlled by or passes through the brain or spinal cord. The loss of function depends upon where individual lesions are located. More than 400,000 individuals in the United States are estimated to be living with Multiple Sclerosis and often have questions and needs. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is able to answer those questions and address their needs. MSAA helps individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in many ways.
First, they offer a Toll-Free Helpline for individuals who were newly diagnosed.
Second, counselors are available to help individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis including caregivers.
Third, is life coaching which helps individuals deal with the difficulties of life while dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.
Fourth, Support Groups are offered to discuss the challenges associated with Multiple Sclerosis.
Finally, an Equipment Distribution Program is also offered along with MRI Assistance.
Information about additional services as available at www.msaa.com. MSAA spreads awareness about Multiple Sclerosis by distributing publications such as "The Motivator," which is a quarterly magazine, as well as through public awareness events.
The job of a Public Education Ambassador is to fill the geographic void as a local advocate and to speak to groups and educate them about Multiple Sclerosis and the MSAA.
Contact Helping Hands Initiative at 718-356-4737 or
if you would like to have Ms. Farella speak to your group or at your group's next event.
Ambassadorship 
