The Rotary Action Group Against Multiple Sclerosis is a group of Rotarians dedicated to promoting MS Awareness and encourage rotary clubs to partner and implement MS related projects. This Action Group acts in accordance with Rotary International policy but is not an agent of nor is it controlled by Rotary International.
Jacob Martin Taurins was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989. His parents Martin and Diana wanted to help find a cure for this disease.
Inspired by Rotary's achievements in its project to eradicate Poliomyelitis (Polio Plus), they wanted Rotary to become involved in a search for a cure for MS.
As members of the Rotary Club of Gisborne in RI District 9800, they initiated a project to promote MS Awareness in Australia and the world. They organised events to raise funds for MS research, started a Rotary fellowship for MS Awareness (RFMSA) and attended Rotary district conferences and Rotary International Conventions all over the world, to seek support and enlist new members for their group to help end MS. The group grew and now has many Rotarian members, family and friends of Rotary around the world.
The group grew and now has Rotarian members, family and friends of Rotary around the world and collaborates with the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation MSIF participating and promoting MS Day events held in May each year.
The group became the Rotarian Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness (RAGMSA) and in accordance with Rotary International policy January 2020 was renamed Rotary Action Group Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS).
RAGAMS, in partnership with the Melbourne Neuroscience Institute and Rotary Health Australia, successfully supported PhD scholarships for research on progressive MS.
RAGAMS has also received a Rotary Global Grant to support progressive MS research at the Florey Institute and Monash University.
