in March 2016 two of Australia's nationally focused MS consumer organisations (Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care Australia and CCSVI Australia) jointly commenced a National awareness Program (concurrent with the lead up to the 2016 Australian elections) aimed at creating greater political awareness of recent warnings by medical researchers who cautioned that cardiovascular dysfunction in MS is incompletely understood and likely under recognized. They said ‘’ it's important for people and their doctors to be aware of this and try to manage these conditions - doctors will want to stress to those with MS the importance of correcting these problems”. Related references - http://www.msnetwork.org/caution.htm Many will recollect that the issue of cardiovascular associations with MS was first raised in Australian Parliament in 2011 by the member for Page (Janelle Saffin). In advocating for a bipartisan approach to addressing this new knowledge Hansard reports Janelle as saying ‘’this is certainly an emerging issue that we will have to turn our minds to’’. Subsequent ongoing research vindicates Janelle’s foresight in bringing this matter to parliamentary attention. Related references http://www.msnetwork.org/ccsvibenefits.htm The 2016 National awareness program commenced with an Open Letter to all candidates supported by feedback from more than 2,000 Australian families living with an MS diagnosis. About this feedback http://www.msnetwork.org/electorates/feedback.htm The program also involved alerting MS Australia to what is now known concerning the impact of cardiovascular disorders on MS progression and requesting their support. See http://www.msnetwork.org/advocacy/MSAustralia-Parliament.pdf Progress so far Thanks to the broad cross section of candidates who have already responded to Janelle Saffin's call for better bipartisan understandings and support for the 24,000 Australian families living with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis who may also have significant cardiovascular disorders. Candidates who have already registered their commitment include: ACT Senator, Katy Gallagher, Queensland Senator Joanna Lindgren, Tasmanian Julie Collins (Franklin) , W.A Senator Glenn Sterle, Tasmanian Senator David Bushby (Chief Government Whip in the Senate), NSW Janelle Saffin (Page), Queensland Senator Glenn Lazarus and Victorian Tom Cummings (La Trobe).- great response so far but more would be appreciated. We have reminded all candidates that at this stage NSW, Victorian and especially S.A families seem under represented by comparison. Every candidate and all Party Leaders have been contacted on several occasions. Send your representatives a copy of this email if you feel so inclined. This is where they can FIND OUT MORE and HOW to register their support http://www.msnetwork.org/voting/casting-your-vote.htm Very best regards - Peter Sullivan and Kerri Cassidy http://www.msnetwork.org/voting/About-Kerri-Cassidy.htm http://www.msnetwork.org/voting/About-Peter-Sullivan.htm On behalf of more than 2,000 Australian Families living with an MS diagnosis.