Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with Multiple Sclerosis[1] (MS) live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Founded on scientific evidence, OMS provides resources and support for lifestyle modifications proven to benefit individuals with MS. It is a global charity with a mission to inspire and empower people to live well with MS through education, support, and community-building.
Mission
The mission of Overcoming MS is to help people with Multiple Sclerosis[1] make informed decisions about managing their condition through lifestyle-based approaches. The charity emphasizes the power of evidence-based interventions such as a plant-based whole food diet, regular exercise, stress management, and Vitamin D supplementation. OMS also seeks to build a worldwide community of people with MS who can support one another on their journey to better health.
History
Overcoming MS was founded in 2012 by Professor George Jelinek, an Australian professor of emergency medicine, after he was diagnosed with MS. Based on his extensive research into the disease, Jelinek developed a comprehensive recovery program. His work culminated in the book Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: The Evidence-Based 7 Step Recovery Program, which laid the foundation for the charity’s mission and approach.
The charity has grown rapidly, with programs now reaching thousands of people across the globe. In 2015, OMS launched its first annual international retreats, bringing people with MS together to learn about and experience the OMS lifestyle.
Key Milestones
- 2012: Charity established by Professor George Jelinek
- 2015: International retreats launched
- 2017: Launch of the OMS Circle, a global peer support network
- 2020: OMS podcast introduced to share stories and research
- 2023: Expanded online education platform with new programs
Staff and Leadership
Overcoming MS is led by a team of medical experts, researchers, and advocates passionate about improving the lives of people with MS.
Staff
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Alex Holden
Alex Holden has been the CEO of Overcoming MS since March 2023. She brings a wealth of experience to the organization, including a strong focus on community support, nutrition, and promoting evidence-based lifestyle interventions for those living with MS. She is passionate about fostering resilience and positivity within the Overcoming MS community, which consists of a global network of individuals sharing advice and encouragement.
President: Linda Bloom
Linda Bloom is the founder and President of Overcoming MS. With a background in psychology, specializing in counseling and hypnotherapy, Linda's journey with MS began in 2002 when she was diagnosed after a major relapse. Her commitment to the lifestyle-based approach advocated by Overcoming MS stems from her own healing experience. Since 2012, she has dedicated herself to expanding the reach of the charity and empowering people with MS to take control of their health.
The staff includes a small team of around 12 part-time employees who work collaboratively with the charity's ambassadors, Circles, and fundraisers to support the global MS community.
The OMS Board of Trustees includes specialists from medicine, healthcare, and charity governance, who ensure that OMS maintains the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and service.
Programs
Overcoming MS offers a wide range of resources and support systems to help people adopt and maintain the OMS lifestyle.
Education
The charity provides free access to:
- OMS Online Program: A step-by-step guide for managing MS through lifestyle changes.
- OMS Blog: Articles written by health experts and people with MS.
- Webinars and Podcasts: Expert discussions on MS research and personal success stories.
- Books and Literature: Including Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis by George Jelinek.[2]
Support
- OMS Circles: A peer support network that connects people living with MS locally and internationally.
- Retreats: Annual gatherings that offer immersive learning experiences in the OMS lifestyle.
- OMS Forum: A community platform where individuals can ask questions, share stories, and find support.
Research
OMS collaborates with leading researchers and institutions to promote studies into the effectiveness of lifestyle changes for managing MS. The charity’s research department also provides funding for scientific studies that align with its mission.
Global Impact
Overcoming MS has a global presence, with support groups in over 20 countries. The OMS lifestyle is practiced by thousands of individuals who report improvements in their quality of life. The charity’s educational materials have been translated into multiple languages, and OMS Circles continue to expand across the globe, providing people with a supportive network in their local communities.
Testimonials
"OMS changed my life. The program gave me hope and the tools I needed to manage my MS. I've never felt more empowered." – Sarah, OMS Circle Member "Through OMS, I found a community of people who truly understand what I’m going through, and we support each other every step of the way." – John, OMS Retreat Attendee
External Links
References
- Jelinek, G. (2017). Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: The Evidence-Based 7 Step Recovery Program. Allen & Unwin.
- "Multiple Sclerosis Statistics and Facts." National MS Society. Accessed September 28, 2024.
- ^ a b MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks a protective layer around nerve fibers called myelin. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild, like numbness or fatigue, to more severe, like difficulty walking or problems with vision. The condition can progress over time and affect people differently, with periods of flare-ups and remissions.
- ^ "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis book".