The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced a $3 million gift from Edward M. Dowd, a financier and philanthropist living with MS, to expand access to personalized case management for those with MS who need specialized services.

The funds will create the Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program, which aims to improve quality of life for people who are affected by MS and — due to disease progression, employment issues, social and environmental factors, and/or family issues — require intensive personalized case management services. Among other things, the program will fund efforts to expand the MS Society's nationwide network of case managers capable of providing the level of knowledge and support needed to navigate the complex challenges of MS and secure housing, home care, medical equipment, insurance, and other resources.

"I have help navigating life with MS, but I often wonder how people without sufficient resources manage even the day-to-day tasks," said Dowd. "My overall focus is to help improve the quality of life for people with MS who do not have the financial means to get the support they need. Specifically, my goal is to assist the fifteen percent of people with MS who face the greatest challenges."

"This life-changing gift will accelerate the collective and individual ability of people affected by MS to live their best lives — connected, solution-focused, and resilient," said the society's president and CEO, Cyndi Zagieboylo. "People affected by MS have a supportive partner in the society to access the information and resources they need to make life choices and to find sustainable, life-changing solutions."