North America is home to a diverse community of patient advocates, healthcare organisations, research institutions, and professional societies working to improve outcomes for people affected by MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD.
Through their support of Patient Community Day 2026, these organisations help bring the latest research developments and expert perspectives to communities across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
Founded in 1995, Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) is a community of leaders from the United States and Canada who are dedicated to the treatment and research in MS and other demyelinating diseases. ACTRIMS focuses on knowledge dissemination, education and collaboration among disciplines.
Life Sciences Ontario is a not-for-profit representing and promoting Ontario’s diverse life sciences sector. Members span biopharmaceuticals, agriculture, agri-food, the bioeconomy, medical devices, environmental technologies, and more — including companies, entrepreneurs, academia, and service providers. LSO’s mission is to drive commercial success across the sector by collaborating with governments, academia, industry, and life sciences organizations in Ontario and across Canada.
The Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre (MMSRC) is dedicated to advancing MS research and care in the province of Manitoba. With the significant impact on the quality of life and economy, the MMSRC was established to enhance Manitoba’s position in the national and international MS research communities. Our goal is to bring together researchers, clinicians, and knowledge users in a collaborative effort to tackle MS and improve the lives of those affected.
With our sights firmly set on a world free of MS, our mission is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. The community is vibrant and diverse and includes people living with MS, families, friends, volunteers, donors, researchers, clinicians, and many others. By harnessing our energies, people affected by MS will have the systems and support needed to live rich and full lives. We also make sure that researchers have the resources to continue learning about the disease and improve treatment and care.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA was founded in 1970 and continues to be dedicated to providing free programs, direct services, and resources to individuals with MS, their families, and care partners.
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society provides global leadership and funds research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives.
Funding research is the core focus of the Foundation and all funds raised support our Center Without Walls program, a selected network of the nation’s top MS research centers. This nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists are on the cutting-edge of innovative research programs, working as a team on therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS. In addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, we hope to increase awareness by educating the public about MS.
RealTalk MS is the premier podcast for the millions of people affected by multiple sclerosis, including patients, caregivers, family members, and friends. Each week, host Jon Strum cuts through complex scientific jargon to share the latest advances in MS research and news in easy-to-understand language. Every episode features a mix of late-breaking news and interviews with world-class scientists, clinicians, advocates, and policymakers.
SRNA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people affected by rare neuroimmune disorders, including ADEM, AFM, MOGAD, NMOSD, ON, and TM. SRNA provides education, advocacy, community support, peer connection, research engagement, and resources for individuals, families, care partners, and medical professionals.
The Neuro – the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital – is a bilingual, world-renowned hub for brain research, education, and advanced patient care. It is Canada’s largest neuroscience research and clinical centre and one of the largest globally. By integrating research, care, and training, it drives breakthroughs in nervous system disorders. It was the first academic institute to fully adopt Open Science. The Neuro is part of McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre.
The Sumaira Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of rare neuroimmune conditions, building communities of support for patients and their caregivers, supporting research and advocating on behalf of patients.
Ardra Shephard is a sought-after writer, consultant, podcaster, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping on Air has an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv’s lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra’s personal essays and non-fiction work have appeared in FASHION magazine, InStyle, WebMD and others. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything).
Our Host Destination Partners play a vital role in helping Patient Community Day connect with local communities in the host destination of our annual congress. Through their expertise, networks, and local engagement, they help raise awareness of the event, foster meaningful connections, and support participation among people affected by MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD.
Destination Toronto is the official destination marketing organization and non-profit association for Toronto’s tourism industry.