World War II focused the energies of the scientific world on new technologies. New methods and new understandings emerged from wartime research efforts in many areas. In 1943, for example, the actual composition of myelin was determined. Then, when peace came, one of the most important catalysts in the fight against MS was created. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society was founded in 1946.

Sylvia Lawry, an extraordinary ordinary citizen whose brother suffered from the disease, placed a classified advertisement in The New York Times asking to hear from anyone who had recovered from MS. But all the letters she received came from others who also sought help and hope.

Instead of being discouraged, Ms. Lawry mobilized a group of friends and advisors, including some who had answered her ad. From this the National MS Society was formed to promote contacts among neurologists around the country who treated MS and to raise money to fund a search for answers.

Reference

Written by Loren A. Rolak, MD. Reproduced by permission from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, USA. © NMSS, 2003