David Mailand likely had Multiple Sclerosis for years before his diagnosis seven years ago, but he is making sure he can help provide support for you if you are finding out about your diagnosis now. According to the National MS Society, multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. People like Mailand often do not experience symptoms after years of damage had already taken place. Mailand’s support system helped him persevere through the disease and find the medical help he needed to keep his symptoms under control. He says his experience inspired him to get certified by the National MS Society to start the Door County MS Alliance to ensure other community members can share their stories and feel the same support he has received.

The Door County MS Alliance meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Conference Room 1 at the Door County Library in Sturgeon Bay. The next meeting is on February 27th and will also be available via Zoom.