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Air Conditioners For MS victims

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Air Conditioners Needed To Help People With Multiple Sclerosis In Oregon & SW Washington 

This program provides fundraising for victims of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Oregon & SW Washington with a new, free portable 5000 BTU window air conditioner. 

According to Dr. Dennis Bourdette, Professor of Neurology at OHSU, “People with MS cannot tolerate heat. Unfortunately, medical insurance does not cover the cost of providing air conditioning units for people with MS, despite the well-recognized deleterious effects of heat on MS. Many people with MS are disabled and must live on a very limited income, often making it impossible for them to afford an air conditioning unit. By providing air conditioning units to people with MS who could not otherwise afford them, the MS Society of Portland’s Summer Comfort Program is a unique service.”

“Stanley Cohan MD, PhD and Medical Director of the Providence MS Center said, “…Elevated temperatures may magnify all the symptoms of MS and even result in the emergence of previously silent symptoms that may worsen impairments. Many patients suffering from MS have experienced significant adverse socio-economic consequences as a result of MS, and they simply do not have the resources to purchase or rent all that they need, forcing them to forego air-conditioning in the summer as this clear necessity becomes an unmanageable luxury...”

Because air conditioning units may be too expensive for clients to buy, here are a couple of comments from individuals we helped  last year:

"I would like to thank the wonderful people who had a hand in giving me this air conditioner. The last three days have been miserable. After thanking the delivery guy profusely, I actually did a dance for joy, laughed and giggled. My boyfriend is going to install it this weekend. They say “thank you” too! Your generosity and concern are greatly appreciated."
Patricia

"Dear MSSP
Everyday people with MS live in fear of the disease, of pain, of the unknown. Well thanks to your foresight and the air conditioning program I won’t have to live in fear of unbearably not days. Thanks to you and to your partners who make such a difference!"
Madi

"Dearest contributers and program supporters. I want to thank you for the air conditioner I’m so very grateful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! My summers in the past were miserable. I dreaded summer coming every year. When you have MS, the heat is unbearable, it affects your breathing and every part of your body. I don’t know how to express my gratitude. I’m looking forward to summer this year and I thank all of you for that blessing. I pray blessings upon all of you. Thank you."
Marci

All donations will be used excusively to purchase and ship air conditioners to patients. Last year the MSSP donated 102 units to MS victims in Oregon and SW Washington.  With rising temperatures as the summer continues, Due to increasingly hot summers the need for relief is greater than ever before.  We  began the campaign in April and thus far have given 113 air conditioners to clients.
 
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Portland, Inc. (MSSP) is an independent, private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1949 by the Columbia Lions Club to meet the day-to-day needs of ndividuals suffering from MS. More than 8,100 Oregonians are living with MS. For more information about MS or the MSSP, please visit our website at www.msoregon.org
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Donations 

  • Karen Bender
    • $100 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Candyce Hayes
Organizer
Portland, OR
MS Society of Portland, OR
Beneficiary

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