The MS Young Professionals Network (MSYPN) is building community by volunteering and participating at special events, monthly MSYPN meetings, and now through the creation of a mentorship program connecting MSYPN members with young MS patients through the RMMSC.
MSYPN’s mission is to provide an opportunity for young professionals to support the work of the Rocky Mountain MS Center and raise awareness of the prevalence of multiple sclerosis while providing MS support. MSYPN’s activities and programs wouldn’t be possible without generous sponsorship from Genentech.
Genentech’s sponsorship allows MSYPN members the opportunity to volunteer and participate in special events like the RMMSC Gala. At the 2019 gala, MSYPN member Andrew Collier spoke about his experience with MS and how the MSYPN helps him. “The MSYPN has been an incredible discussion group for young people dealing with the physical, mental, and social, issues that come with MS. We talk about a large array of things that come with MS.”
MSYPN discussions groups and meetings create an opportunity for young professionals with MS or with a connection to MS to come together to talk about issues with peers who understand. Our past meeting themes include mental health and MS, resources for people and their families living with MS, networking, how to talk to others about living with MS, and more. One of the best things about these meetings is all of the connections that are formed. Many MSYPN members had not met someone their age with MS before joining the group. The group provides support and comradery by connecting young professionals with MS through open dialogue and connection.
MSYPN members wanted to find a way to have the same type of connection and positive impact for youth with MS. Thanks to grants and the Genentech sponsorship, the MSYPN is now planning a mentorship program with pediatric MS patients at the RMMSC at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Members of MSYPN will be paired up with youth diagnosed with MS in hopes of forming positive connections while sharing their experiences with MS. Supportive relationships between mentors and peers encourage healthier lifestyle choices, intellectual and interpersonal growth, enhanced self-esteem and confidence, and an open perspective about MS.
Thanks to the generosity from sponsors like Genentech, MSYPN is able to support its members no matter where they are in their MS journey. We look forward to growing the MSYPN and to connecting members with RMMSC programs and services. If you are interested in learning more about MSYPN, please contact Sarah at skyger@mscenter.org.