b'MS Focus ActivitiesPPrrooggrreessssiivveeMMSSDDaayyJoin us in raising awareness this March 28th.Initiated by Genentech in 2018, in partnership with MS Focus and other organizations in theMS advocacy community, Progressive MS Day is a day to recognize those living with progressiveforms of multiple sclerosis, and raise awareness about their challenges. This annual day oersan opportunity for people aected by MS, patient advocates, healthcare providers, governmentsand industry professionals to share stories online and show their support for people living withprogressive forms of MS. It is also an opportunity to call for more research to better understandthe underlying biology of the disease, to discover and develop new therapeutic options, andto advance care and reduce disability.How Can You Join In?Everyone can share their stories or show their support on social media with the hashtag#ProgressiveMSDay. If you are living with primary or secondary progressive MS and wouldlike MS Focus to consider sharing your story, you can email editor@msfocus.org. Use the subjectline Progressive MS Day and make sure to include your name and contact information.Understanding MS TypesTo better develop appropriate management plans, MS has typically been divided intoclassications, or types. At diagnosis, a person is most likely to be classied as having one ofthe following: Clinically-Isolated Syndrome (CIS)A rst and single neurological episode of inammationor demyelination in the central nervous system lasting at least 24 hours, considered to beprobable MS. Primary-Progressive (PPMS)in PPMS, the progression of neurological dysfunctionand/or disability is present from the onset of MS, without any distinct relapses or remissions.Temporary, minor improvements may be experienced, but are not common. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)This form of MS is, by far, the most common form ofthe disease. RRMS is defined by clearly identifiable attacks lasting days or weeks, withperiods between relapses being stable and absent of disease progression. After an attack,many people experience a full recovery, but some will experience residual loss in mentalor physical function upon recovery. msfocusmagazine.org 34'