Mpls Council member Andrea Jenkins opens up on multiple sclerosis diagnosis

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - During Friday’s Minneapolis City Council meeting, Council member Andrea Jenkins revealed she is living with multiple sclerosis.

Jenkins made the announcement after the council has passed an honorary resolution to recognize National MS Society’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week this March in Minneapolis.

After the council adopted the resolution, Council member Jenkins shared the reason why she sometimes uses a cane. She explained she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last August - in the middle of her City Council campaign.

“I am fortunate to have been diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease, which does have some pretty positive management medication, so I’ve been managing the disease quite well,” said Jenkins.

Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease that impacts the nerves and disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. According the National MS Society, the disease impacts 2.3 million in the world and more than 10,000 people in Minnesota have the disease, which ranks among the highest in prevalence rates in the country. Jenkins says she hopes to bring more attention and understanding to the disease.

“I really wanted to make this statement today because people are living today with multiple sclerosis contributing to their communities, being active members of their families and neighborhoods,” said Jenkins.

The City of Minneapolis will recognize March 14 as MS Awareness Day. The I-35W bridge will be lit orange in honor of the day.