Learning to cope with a chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis is not only a challenge for the person who has been diagnosed, but also for everyone who cares about that individual, especially family members. We have learned from experience and research that MS can have significant effects on a person’s role within the family, on the relationship between parents and children and between partners. Inevitably, it impacts on the general balance and well-being of the family as a whole.

Given the potential negative influence of MS on the family, we have dedicated this issue to a detailed discussion of a wide range of aspects, including making the decision to have children, talking about MS, changing roles, care-giving and a number of other relevant topics related to the family.

We present topics that are often difficult to discuss, for example, divorce or abuse in the care-giving relationship. Often it is only through frank discussion that we can truly understand the seriousness of such problems. I hope that our MS in Focus readers will appreciate the importance of including these sensitive issues.

The Editorial Board has done an outstanding job of making this third issue truly multi-national. We have invited contributions from authors in eight countries, and have made an effort to ensure that the information and strategies presented are not culturally or geographically limiting, but hold true for families dealing with MS around the world.

The aim of this very special issue of MS in Focus is to let families know that they are not alone in coping with this disease, and that many challenges they may be facing today, or may face in the future, can be successfully confronted through open communication, understanding and correct information.

I look forward to receiving your comments.

Michele Messmer Uccelli
Editor