By The Outer Banks Life contributor, Janet Arnold
The Outer Banks-Salt Life MS Support Group continues to offer a welcoming and supportive space for individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) along the barrier islands to connect, share experiences, and build community. Led by Mike DeRosa, the group meets on the fourth Friday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center in Kill Devil Hills.
March, recognized as National MS Awareness Month, highlights the importance of groups like this one, which provide not only connection but also advocacy and education within the community.
As previously shared by The Outer Banks Life, lead contributor Kassidy Watson-Perry spoke with group member Andrea Namath who traveled to Washington, D.C. last year to support MS awareness efforts on Capitol Hill, reflecting the broader impact and involvement of members beyond local meetings.
The support group offers an open environment where members can speak candidly about the challenges and realities of living with MS while forming meaningful relationships with others who understand those experiences. Each meeting encourages conversation, shared stories, and practical support. Caregivers are also welcome to attend and are recognized as an important part of the support system for those living with the condition.
Because every support group has its own dynamic, first-time attendees are encouraged to call Mike DeRosa at 917-837-7698 before attending their first meeting.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body. Symptoms can vary widely and may include fatigue, muscle weakness, balance and coordination issues, vision problems, numbness, and cognitive changes. While some individuals experience mild symptoms, others may face more significant physical limitations over time. Although there is currently no cure, treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
MS affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, with about 200 new cases diagnosed each week. It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 and is two to three times more common in women than in men. The most common form, relapsing-remitting MS, accounts for approximately 85-90% of diagnoses.
For those living with MS, support groups can play a vital role in improving quality of life by offering a space to share coping strategies, learn about resources, and foster a sense of belonging. The Outer Banks-Salt Life MS Support Group aims to provide exactly that: an ongoing source of encouragement, understanding, and connection for members of the local community.
DeRosa told The Outer Banks Life:
“Some MS patients might feel they don’t need a support group right now, but another member might need to hear what you have to share. All are welcome and all are needed as a team to deal with this disease. We are all warriors in this fight. We talk about everything from available healthcare, or the lack of it, to everyday life, from dinner to disability. Everyone is welcome.”
To learn more, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website at nationalmssociety.org.
