The Women of the Moose are back for a second year of fundraising for research into a disease that is still not entirely understood: multiple sclerosis.

This autoimmune disease affects some 1 million people in the United States and 2.3 million globally, predominantly female, and often goes undetected for years due to symptoms that can appear to be attributed to other conditions.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease without a known cure, but it does have mitigating treatments that can slow the progression of damage done to nerve tissues. Symptoms include everything from mobility issues to vision and hearing impairment, entirely dependent upon the stage of disease and where the lesions occur on a person’s brain.

The Women of the Moose understand the trials and tribulations that come with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and how it can change the life of those affected.

For the second year, the Women of the Moose are organizing an indoor yard sale and bake sale April 1-2 with dinners being offered to directly benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an active leader in researching this debilitating disease as well as offering assistance to the individuals and families contending with MS. 

Dinners will be offered until supplies run out, so it is advised for those wanting a plate dinner to call in early. Each dinner is $6.

All activities will take place at the Moose Lodge, 2851 Smithville Highway. Items included in the yard sale vary widely from kids’ items to home furnishings and everything in between. This year, they’ve received a very generous donation of a bedroom suite outfitted with oak furnishings.

“Last year, we aimed for $1,000, but we wound up with just over $4,000 to donate to NMSS thanks to the outpouring of support from the community,” said Marianne Curtis, organizer and longtime member of Women of the Moose. “This is our second year and we were super thrilled with the success of our first year.”

Part of their indoor yard sale will feature an information kiosk where visitors can learn more about MS and what it entails so they can better understand this disease and how to support loved ones who battle the disease every day, as advocacy is an integral part of their cause.

Those who wish to contribute are encouraged to participate in a number of ways. Donations for items will be accepted during any hours Moose Lodge is open beginning at 12 p.m. A bake sale featuring pound cakes, cupcakes, casseroles and much more will be available during the yard sale.