Harding's Hope Grants $83,000 to National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter Programs

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Harding's Hope announced today the organization will grant the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter $83,000 to help fund direct financial assistance programs for families affected by MS.

Living with MS can mean unexpected and ongoing financial challenges. On average, the disease costs approximately $70,000 per year in health-care costs such as medication, lost wages and other expenses. Across a lifetime, that can add up to nearly $3 million.

"This generous donation will make a tremendous impact in the lives of families struggling to cope with the financial burden of this lifelong disease," said National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter President Holly Anderson. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Harding's Hope for their dedication to helping people with MS live their best lives."

Harding's Hope, a nonprofit founded by Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding, raises awareness and funds to support people living with MS. "On behalf of Harding's Hope and all those affected by MS, we are thankful to the hundreds of individuals and organizations that contributed this past year to make this donation possible," Harding said. The four Society programs chosen for funding include chore services, care partner relief, exercise and wellness, and aids for daily living ― all designed to help people with MS stay strong and independent, and remain in their homes and communities. 

About multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men diagnosed with the disease. MS affects 2.3 million worldwide.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. In 2013 alone, through its home office and 50-state network of chapters, the Society devoted $145.2 million to programs and services that assisted more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested over $48 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter represents more than 17,000 people with MS in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and several counties in western Wisconsin and Nebraska. Join the Movement® at nationalMSsociety.org.

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with MS. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867.

About Harding's Hope
Harding's Hope is a nonprofit founded by Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding, 2013 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Winner. The nonprofit raises awareness about MS and funds to support people living with the disease. Josh Harding founded Harding's Hope because he was thankful for the support he received from family, friends, medical staff and the hockey community after his MS diagnosis. Harding quickly recognized that not everyone living with MS has a team supporting them, and that many people are faced with making a choice between paying for MS treatment or meeting day-to-day expenses. Harding's Hope is focused on supporting individuals and families living with MS who are struggling with the costs of treating the disease. You can help Josh help others. Read more at hardingshope.org or Twitter (@HardingsHope) or Facebook (Harding's Hope). 

SOURCE National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter