Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disease in young adults. It strikes people between the ages of 15 and 60 with the highest incidence between 20 and 40 years of age. MS is chronic and can be disabling; however, up to 30 percent of MS patients have a benign and fairly stable course with little or no disability throughout their lifetimes. MS is not usually a fatal disease and may be compared to an electrical short circuit: the myelin sheath (fatty tissue surrounding the nerves) becomes scarred, thus inhibiting the flow of messages from the brain to various parts of the body. Recent research has documented that there is axonal (nerve) damage as well. This may result in symptoms such as impaired coordination, bladder or bowel dysfunction, speed and visual problems, numbness, fatigue, and paralysis. It is estimated that between a quarter of a million and half a million people in the United States have MS with three times as many women as men diagnosed. 
 

In many cases, the course of the disease is uncertain and the symptoms are variable.  Therefore, a wide range of health-care and support services must be available to patients with MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Network of New Jersey (MSNNJ) has a comprehensive team of professionals who are ready to provide a level of care that is individualized and coordinated. 
 
 

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey University Hospital/New Jersey Medical School Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center in Newark and the Bernard W. Gimbel Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center in Teaneck announced on July 1, 1998 that, through their combined efforts, the Multiple Sclerosis Network of New Jersey (MSNNJ) was established. The MSNNJ is the first such state-wide multiple sclerosis center in the nation for research, education, and treatment protocols. The Network combines the diagnostic, therapeutic, and scientific expertise of both sites and will result in the best possible services for persons with multiple sclerosis and their families and care partners. 
 
 

This new partnership will result in the largest pool of MS patients state-wide and the Network will act as a national model of a "seamless" center, one which allows patients to benefit from the shared resources of both sites. Patients can benefit from the research, physical and psychological care, drug studies, clinical trials, and educational programs offered through the Network. 
 
 

Patients and their families have access to neurologists, MS nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation professionals. This comprehensive approach to MS care is highly beneficial to patients in that it offers not only health-care, but also mental health services and social services, regardless of ability to pay. Through the Network, regardless of site, these services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. 
 
 

Stuart D. Cook, MD, President of UMDNJ, internationally renowned for his clinical and scientific research into the cause of and treatments for multiple sclerosis, serves as Medical Director of the Network. Before accepting the UMDNJ Presidency, Dr. Cook was the Founding Chair of the Department of Neurosciences at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, a responsibility he held for 28 years. During his tenure, a program in neuroscience was built which is now recognized as one of the leading clinical and basic research programs in the nation, particularly in MS. As a result, patients have unique opportunities to participate in the latest clinical trials and drug studies. Dr. Cook has received numerous awards throughout his career. This includes recognition from his peers by being named as one of the two top MS specialists in the country as part of the "Best Doctors in America" survey conducted by American Health Magazine. 
 

June Halper, MSN, RN, CS, ANP, serves as Executive Director of the Gimbel MS Center and of the newly formed MS Network of NJ. Ms. Halper and her staff of nurses, neurologists, and social workers at the Gimbel MS Center have offered people with MS a comprehensive approach to MS care since 1985. With the formation of the Network, patients will benefit from both comprehensive care and cutting edge research and treatment options. In 1993, the Gimbel MS Center was named as the administrative seat for the Consortium of MS Centers, the largest professional organization to improve MS care in North America, and of which Ms. Halper is Executive Director. In addition, Ms. Halper is Founding Director of the International Organization of MS Nurses and is the recipient of the first June Halper Award for Nursing Excellence in Multiple Sclerosis 
 

For more information on the Multiple Sclerosis Network of New Jersey, contact the Department of Neurosciences at UMDNJ Medical School in Newark at (973) 972-5208 or the Gimbel MS Center at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck at (201) 837-0727. 
 
 

The Multiple Sclerosis Network of New Jersey provides MS patients and their families with care regardless of their ability to pay. No one will ever be turned away because of inadequate insurance or resources. 
In order to fulfill this mission, the MSNNJ invites supporters to consider: 

• Cash gifts 
• Checks can be made out to the: MSNNJ 
• Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted 
• Memorials 
• Bequests 
• Planned giving 
• Grants 
• Show your support by :
•  Individual and corporate sponsorship 
• Attending/Sponsoring the Annual Fashion Show 
• Attending/Sponsoring the Annual Golf Outing 
• Purchasing a raffle ticket to benefit the MS Network of New Jersey 
• Making a donation or establishing a tribute or memorial 
• Supporting the MSNNJ 800 number 
• Supporting the MSNNJ Web site 
• Volunteering for the MSNNJ