MSA - Not three letters that you want to see together!

This morning we'd like to ask you to join us on the 3rd of October in raising awareness of a horrible disease, known as MSA or Multiple System Atrophy.

Here is the definition as per Wikipedia:

'Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative neurological disorder. MSA is associated with the degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. This cell degeneration causes problems with movement, balance and other autonomic functions of the body such as bladder control or blood pressure regulation. The cause of MSA is unknown and no specific risk factors have been identified. Around 55% of cases occur in men, with typical age of onset in the late 50s to early 60s.

The overall prevalence of MSA is estimated at 4.6 cases per 100,000 people.'

On the 3rd of October the organisers of International MSA day have asked that people all over the world light as many candles as possible at 8pm their local time to create awareness of the illness. They have also asked that people walk a mile during that day, either alone or with someone else and that those miles are logged on their official MSA website. What a wonderful idea!

I have written a piece on this on my Camino blog and all the info you will need if you want to participate is to be found from my post on the subject. I will be walking with the amazing Sonja, one of my newest friends, who was diagnosed a year ago with MSA. From being a vibrant athlete and gym instructor, she is now wheelchair bound. I will be meeting her in person for the first time on Monday - in fact, we'll meet at her local beach where they plan to start the walk. People will take turns to push her wheelchair - I thank God that he surrounds us with our own special angels in the form of friends and family in time of need!

To find out more about Sonja and MSA, click here for our post on the subject. Thank you for taking the time and we'd love to hear from you if you have participated or discovered what people have arranged for the 3rd October in your part of the world.

We would love it if you can join us in lighting a candle in your own home at 8pm on Monday. Why not send us a photo of your burning candle/candles and we'll send it on to our friend Sonja, who is working so hard to raise awareness while battling the illness herself.

Our email address: ferreira.emilene@gmail.com.