What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. Considered to be the most common autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, MS affects an estimated 2.5 million people globally, however it is hard to identify the true number of people impacted as many cases go undiagnosed for many years.

Our Mission

To improve MS patient outcomes by helping those with MS find it earlier, attain treatment sooner and improve their ability to live with the disease. To achieve this mission, the Avista MS Education Foundation seeks to:

Educate – Educate patients, caregivers, doctors and the greater community about the early symptoms and signs of MS so that those with MS can be diagnosed sooner and improve long term outcomes.

Support – Support patients and caregivers with the emotional and physical tools that make living with MS easier.

Inspire – Inspire those living with MS as well as those around them through real world successes and motivational stories that provide a positive and inspirational voice.

Our Programs

The Avista MS Education Foundation will support its mission through a range of programs including:

Education programs – education is delivered across communities with a specific focus on how to identify MS early and seek treatment quickly. Education will be offered during major events, including bike races, sporting events and car racing campaigns, where Avista Foundation will deliver educational promotions that are designed for MS patients, care givers and families as well as doctors that can help to identify MS in patients early for improved treatment outcomes.

Support programs – support is offered to those living with MS and those caring for them in the form of emotional and physical tools needed to better the lives of individuals in need. From providing walkers and canes to MS patients in need to offering motivational presentations to community support groups, the Avista Foundation is focused on serving the MS community with the greater goal of improving the life of those living with MS long term.

Inspirational programs – inspiration is offered throughout Avista Foundation programs in the form of positive and inspirational voices from those living with MS to those that are newly diagnosed and to those caring for MS patients. By hearing from others with MS, MS patients and their families can gain valuable knowledge and motivation.

Community fundraising – to support these programs, the Avista MS Education Foundation will embark on fundraising campaigns that are centered around specific racing events where the Avista MS Foundation Bike Team will be participating. Fundraising will also be supported by specific racing programs, such visibility in the SCCA Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup sports car series which visits six major tracks throughout North America alongside IMSA and IndyCar series’ with significant fan reach and TV visibility.

How You Can Help

Every dollar donated makes a difference in the lives of those living with MS. There are four ways you can help.

1. Sponsor an Avista Foundation Bike MS Racer. By sponsoring a rider in an upcoming Bike MS race, you’re making a tax-deductible donation that will truly make a difference. Learn more by sending a message to info@avistamsfoundation.org.

2. Become an Avista Foundation Bike MS Team Sponsor. Sponsor the Avista Foundation Bike MS team. With a tax-deductible donation, your company logo will be included on team gear, in team literature and in team PR promotions as a supporting sponsor. Learn more by sending a message to info@avistamsfoundation.org.

3. Become an Avista Foundation Drive MS Team Sponsor. Sponsor the Avista Foundation Drive MS professional sports car race team. With a tax-deductible donation, your company logo will be included on a SCCA Pro Mazda MX-5 Cup race car during one of six race weekends a year across North America. Your logo will also be included on team literature, in team PR promotions and social media. Event passes and customer hospitality programs are also available for the sports car races which are held in conjunction with major IMSA Tudor United Sports Car Challenge and IndyCar events which attract tens of thousands of fans for each event. Learn more by sending a message to info@avistamsfoundation.org.

4. Send a Tribute. Pay tribute to friends and family by making a tax-deductible donation to the Avista MS Education Foundation. A loving card will be sent with your personal message to friends and family on your behalf. Learn more by sending a message to info@avistamsfoundation.org.

Your Donations Make a Difference

Every dollar raised by the Avista MS Education Foundation is directed to support major educational programs for MS. Funds are distributed across multiple organizations all focused on providing valuable programs for the MS community.

(Avista Multiple Sclerosis Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Nonprofit Organization)