1. RAGMSA Rotarian Action Group of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

2. Rotarian Action Group Of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness (RAGMSA) RC of Gisborne (D9800 Australia ) MS Awareness Project Rotary International Convention

3. What is MS? The protective covering or insulation of the nerve fibres (myelin) in the central nervous system is damaged and thus nerve impulses to the brain, spine and optic nerve are short circuited. Over 2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with MS.

4. Who does it affect? Young Men and Women 17 yrs to 40yrs  Ratio 3:1 women/men  The further north and south of the equator more people are affected!

5. MS Research 1. Define the causes  Genetics  Geographic/Environment/Diet 2. Establish new treatments to slow the disease 3.Prevent the disease

6. How you can help!  Visit website www.rotary-rfmsa.orgwww.rotary-rfmsa.org  Join RAGMSA email Group  Become MS Committee member  Support D9800 MS Committee Projects House of Friendship RAGMSA Booth

7. How you can Help in D9800!  In D9800 12 Clubs participate in MS Projects  Celebrate World MS Day May25 with a Global Dinner  Form a Rotary Team for Bike Rides, Walks  Facilitate a Megaswim with MS Society  Support RC of Gisborne Cycle Challenge Held annually in May  Invite your local MS Group to lunch at Xmas, etc

8. 2011 MS Global Dinner and PhD Student Presentation MS Information Lectures

9. Networking Groups  Recreational, Vocational and Special interest.  RAGMSA is one 15 Rotarian Action Groups internationally which provide resource to Rotarians with a Special Interest, ie: MS, Diabetes, Aids, Malaria, etc RI Chicago Convention Parade

10. RAGMSA aim in 2011  Promote and share D9800 MS Project information internationally  Encourage Rotary Clubs to facilitate projects for MS use D9800 as example.  Suggest Clubs contact nearest MS Society to determine needs  Start club project, implement& promote achievments

11.  RAGMSA representatives meet at each RI Convention to promote MS RAGMSA 2011

14. 2011 MS Global Dinner  Chris Humphrey

19.  The MS Awareness Program is a program of D9800 and encourages all interested Clubs & Rotarians to contact myself C/- RC Gisborne for further information or involvement  Thank you for your time and interest and thank the clubs that have helped us!  Questions ? 2011 D9800 MS Awareness