The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) was created in 1986. The MSF's mission is to discover and support traditional and non-traditional options in the effort to cure and treat multiple sclerosis; to educate the public about options for treatment; to strive to ensure the best quality of life for those coping with multiple sclerosis through the development of support services; to aid research in discovering the cure, treatment, and causes of multiple sclerosis; and to heighten public awareness of multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in order to elicit public support, caring, and understanding for those diagnosed with the illness.