Beta Omega Chapter of Theta Xi - Active Philanthropy

Philanthropy

In 1974, Theta Xi adopted Multiple Sclerosis as its National Service Project. Beta Omega chapter regularly sponsors fundraisers to benefit the Blue Ridge Chapter and National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue. MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness. These problems may be permanent, or they may come and go.

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although rare individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it. MS is not considered a fatal disease as the vast majority of people with it live a normal life-span. But they may face a struggle to live productively, often with increasing limitations.

More information about MS is available at http://www.nationalmssociety.org .