Every hour someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. Many have trouble imagining what their lives would be without the ability to move, but I know the effects of MS; I have MS.

MS Awareness Week takes place March 2-8. I encourage people to join the movement to end MS and help people with MS move their lives forward.

It's easy to get involved. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference in the lives of the millions of people worldwide who live with this disease. The New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) was one of the first calls I made when I was diagnosed, and after speaking with them I was able to set a plan for the management of my MS.

Following are some simple things everyone can do.

• Visit www.nationalMSsociety. org to learn more about MS.

• Tell 10 people that MS Awareness Week is March 2-8 and ask them to tell 10 people they know.

• Sponsor a walker or cyclist in a Walk MS or Bike MS event, or participate yourself.

• To make a tax-deductible donation to my walk team, you may visit www.myMSteam.com and click on "donate to Michael."

Thank you.
Michael Weiss
Monroe