The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition®
The Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition® is a 501(c)3 charitable organization devoted to a four pillar mission:
- Supporting patients and caregivers affected by multiple system atrophy
- Educating patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals
- Financing and encouraging meaningful research toward identifying a cause and finding a cure for MSA
- Advocating for issues important to the MSA community, including creating greater awareness
Multiple System Atrophy is a Rare Neurodegenerative Disorder
Support, education, research and advocacy are important because multiple system atrophy (formerly known as Shy-Drager Syndrome) is so rare (affecting approximately 50,000 Americans) that few patients, prior to diagnosis and few physicians have any knowledge of the disease. Because of the rarity and severity of the disorder, patients, their caregivers and family members can feel isolated and confused about how to deal with the condition. Likewise, the medical profession may have difficulty in dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of this rare illness. People affected by multiple system atrophy need a support system to help them deal with the many issues.