says Executive Director of The Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society, Jeanine Weisberg

At the Society’s request, a special discussion will be held tomorrow in the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee
Currently on display at the Knesset is the exhibition “Multiple Sclerosis and my Closely-Guarded Secret,” in which 200 MS patients reveal their innermost secrets.

The Labor, Welfare and Health Committee will designate its meeting tomorrow morning (10:00) to multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers in Israel, whose numbers are estimated at about 6000 patients. The discussion, which will address the patients’ hardships, is taking place at the initiative of The Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society, and with the participation of MS sufferers. Jeanine vosburh, Executive Director of The Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society: “We have asked to present to the Committee the full array of difficulties that patients encounter each and every day, problems that make them feel they are not part of society – that they are unwanted and unheard. The patients participating in the discussion represent thousands of patients and ask the legislator to take steps to improve their status, their health and their quality of life on matters that are under the responsibility of the Ministries of Health, Social Affairs and Social Services, Construction and Housing, and the National Insurance Institute, such as the allocation of resources, rights, medications and treatments to patients.”

The discussion will be held as part of a series of activities to raise awareness about MS sufferers in Israel and about the disease. The Knesset is currently hosting an exhibition “Multiple Sclerosis and my Closely-Guarded Secret,” initiated by the Society. In this unique and inspiring project, more than 200 patients reveal their innermost secrets, and do so with rare candor. They talk about their attitudes, feelings and limitations in relation to the disease.

MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the nerves’ ability to transmit information. To be an MS patient means to drag a leg, suffer from double vision, lose control of urinary function, be supported by a walking aid, need a wheelchair and sometimes even to be bedridden, where only the head still functions and understands what is going on. The disease often results in a discontinuation of work, in isolation from society.

– Jeanine Weisberg: “We have elected to turn our gaze to people at the edge – those who are labeled sick or disabled. This disease has a thousand faces and those who suffer from it meet its challenges in a most inspiring way. From this distinguished podium, we wish to say out loud: “The anti-heroes need your support.”

About The Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society – since its founding in 1976, it supports about 6,000 MS patients and around 30,000 of their family members who live in Israel. The Society’s goal is to enable patients to carry on a normal life – one that is as full as possible, and to encourage them to continue to function and contribute despite the many difficulties the disease presents. The Society offers patients professional assistance and support. Among its activities: support groups, a hotline, summer camps for patients’ children, a loan fund, legal advice, representation of patients before the authorities, and more. The services of the Society are also provided in Russian, Arabic and English.

The Society’s website:
www.mssociety.org.il