MS is a life-long, unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system

It causes unpredictable symptoms ranging from weakness and fatigue to total paralysis, which can wax and wane in a variety of patterns.

MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.

Every hour in the United States, another person is diagnosed with MS.

MS is not contagious.

MS is a disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin coating of nerve fibers in the central nervous system, as well as the nerve fibers themselves. this interferes with the brain's ability to send and receive messages.

Although multiple sclerosis is considered an "adult disease" there are approximately 8,000-10,000 children who have MS, and another 10,000-15,000 who have experienced what may be symptoms of MS.

Most people with MS do not use a wheelchair.

Most people with MS have a normal life expectancy

There are now disease-modifying drugs to help slow the course of the disease in most individuals.

Three-quarters of the people with MS are women.

The average onset of symptoms is between 30 and 35 years old. Most people are diagnosed with MS during the prime of life years, ages 20-50.

MS occurs more commonly among Caucasians, especially those of northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune.

Studies show that the further from the equator a person resides, the greater the chances of developing MS.

Constant and consistent insurance coverage is a significant reason that people with MS either stay in undesirable jobs or worry frequently over keeping their job.

$2 million per person: the average lifetime cost of having MS.

$1,400 per year: The average amount a person with MS spend on home and auto modifications due to their disability.

Based on a 1994 Duke University study, indexed for 2004 by the National MS Society, the average annual direct and indirect cost of MS is estimated at $57,500 per person due.