About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. An estimated 6,000 people in Arizona have MS.
The central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the central nervous system is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.
In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.
Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has detailed information about the disease, resources for those living with it, and provides millions of dollars for research. That is why we ride. Click here to learn more about MS.
Living with MS
Meet some extraordinary people and learn how MS has affected their lives:
