Empower the Next Chapter

Life Beyond MS

Support Life Beyond MS Today!

For over 25 years the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis have served the Southwest Florida community, offering disability assistance, specialized exercise classes, art therapy, mental health support and case management to those with MS at no cost.

With no affiliation to a national organization, the center is uniquely attuned to the local needs.

Every year, over 500 individuals benefit from these services free of charge.

Clients find a compassionate and empowering community as they are supported on a journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life with MS.

Heart of our Story

Sponsorships Available

The Heart of our Story MS Gala will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Vineyards Country Club in support of Centers for Multiple Sclerosis.  This Southwest Florida nonprofit provides free services, activities, and support for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.

The event celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Center and features an Award Ceremony recognizing honorees who have shaped our legacy over the years.

The celebration themed gala will feature live entertainment, exciting auctions, and heartfelt stories about the organization’s work. The generous support from sponsors, donors, and attendees will help expand vital programs, ensuring that no one has to face MS alone.

The Centers for Multiple Sclerosis helps patients grow in hope, community, and strength,” says Shannon Diener, MS Center Board Chair, donor, & advocate. “It is a community that helps one another, while keeping their mind and body active so they are more hopeful and stronger.”

“I have been a member of Center for Multiple Sclerosis for many years.  I find Kay and her team extremely caring and supportive.   The Center has done wonderful things for the folks that live with MS in our community.  MS is not easy. We have many struggles.  Having the Center is a blessing and it helps us with these struggles.  They offer physical, emotional and financial help and we are so grateful to them.  The center helps the tomorrows of an MSer brighter.”

Karen V.

Donation Improves Mobility for a Client

accessible van donationDonor Marni W. donates a wheelchair van to Centers for Multiple Sclerosis client Josh Zuri and wife Charlene.

Charlene Zuri said “This is such a blessing. It’s been so hard to transfer Josh to our regular car. This will help us so much.”

Left to Right: Tim Moran, Ann Oswald, Marni W, Josh Zuri, Charlene Zuri, Kay Jasso, and Judi LePree.

The Centers for Multiple Sclerosis provide valuable resources to individuals, and their families, who are affected by multiple sclerosis. We designed our services to reduce isolation, build stronger bodies and minds, and provide solutions for the everyday challenges of MS. If you have MS, we want you to know that we are here and we care. You don’t have to go it alone. Connect with us at Centers4MS.org.

The center’s goals are to reduce isolation, improve mobility,
and provide resources and solutions.

Clients of the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis can take advantage of the center’s social interaction and wellness programs. Services include case management, connection to resources, MS-focused exercise classes, art therapy, mental health support and coaching, educational activities, and more.

%

Percent Women

Served Last Year

%

Over age 60

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis’ service area includes an estimated 5,000 people living with multiple sclerosis, along with their affected family and friends.

In 2015, the organization had served 52 people with MS.  

The Centers now provide free services, information and support to over 500 people annually

Linda and Ken Sumner,
Art Therapy Program Annual Sponsors

“It’s so important for people to have a place to go, so they’re not isolated or overwhelmed. The Centers are critical for people who may not have access to help any other way….” Linda Sumner.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). The disease causes inflammation that damages myelin — the substance that covers and insulates the nerve fibers. When myelin or nerve fibers are damaged or destroyed messages within the CNS are altered or stopped completely. As a result, the patient can suffer from a wide range of symptoms depending on where the damage (or scarring) occurs in the body. Symptoms can range from optic neuritis to the loss of the ability to walk. Severity can also vary widely from person to person.

The disease affects women 3 times more often than men. Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50. An estimated 5000 people are living with MS in Southwest Florida. Over the last 5 years, the Center has attracted an average of 45 new clients each year. 

About

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has served the community since 2000. Its mission is to provide comprehensive care for the mind, body, and spirit of those affected by multiple sclerosis in Southwest Florida.

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis is not a chapter of a national organization.

REGISTRATION #CH-12523. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com