Most symptoms of multiple sclerosis go unnoticed by everyone except the person living with them. One day they can alter your memory, the next your vision. Striking without warning and leaving no trace, they are invisible. The Seeing MS project created multiple sclerosis awareness via a free app. The Seeing MS project invited nine photographers to depict each symptom in a single image, inspired by stories of those touched by the disease.
At Women Love Tech we always support charities to help others, and I have to admit I didn’t know much about MS before writing this article. It’s a terrible disease affecting our loved ones and it can happen to us too. I really love Seeing MS project via art supporting the affected people.
What is Multiple Sclerosis *
Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata, is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely; however, permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.
While the cause is not clear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be either destruction by the immune system or failure of the myelin-producing cells. Proposed causes for this include genetics and environmental factors such as infections. MS is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the results of supporting medical tests.
There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatments attempt to improve function after an attack and prevent new attacks. Medications used to treat MS while modestly effective can have adverse effects and be poorly tolerated. Many people pursue alternative treatments, despite a lack of evidence. The long-term outcome is difficult to predict, with good outcomes more often seen in women, those who develop the disease early in life, those with a relapsing course, and those who initially experienced few attacks. Life expectancy is 5 to 10 years lower than that of an unaffected population. *Wikipedia
Seeing MS – Free on iTunes and Play Google
With the Seeing MS app, everyone with a camera can uncover the unseen. Photo filters based on each symptom will allow you to see and share how MS affects those living with the disease. Check their website with their beautiful photographies
Help Expose The Invisible Disease
SEEING MS is a global photographic project that visualises the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Most symptoms go unnoticed by everyone except the person living with them. One day they can alter your memory, the next your vision. Striking without warning and leaving no trace, they are invisible.
The SEEING MS app now invites everyone with a camera to uncover the unseen. Photo filters based on each symptom will allow you to see and share how MS affects those living with the disease.
Photographed by Nic Walton-Healey – Inspired by Adriana Grasso’s invisible symptom
The best photos as voted by the public, will be displayed in an exhibition alongside the nine famous photographers who started the Seeing MS project.
To see the story behind the campaign visit seeingms.com
MS is a not for profit organisation located in NSW, ACT & VIC. Our fundraising efforts are a critical contribution to our ability to support the thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis every day.
Featured photo: Photographed by Garth Oriander – Inspired by Stephen Papadopoulos invisible symptom.
