NEW YORK.- Half of people surveyed* about perceptions of multiple sclerosis (MS) incorrectly believe that MS is a fatal condition, and more than 40 percent mistakenly describe someone with MS as someone in a wheelchair, according to a new nationwide survey. To help dispel these and other myths, The Image of MS exhibit will challenge public perceptions about the disease and encourage those with symptoms of relapsing forms of MS to seek diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.

"The Image of MS" debuted in February in New York City's Grand Central Station. Since then, a scaled-down version has travelled to Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and, most recently, Orlando. In September, the exhibit heads to Seattle, and plans are in the works for two other tour stops by year's end.

"When I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, I didn't start treatment immediately because I didn't feel ill," said Beth (26). "It was when more symptoms developed, that I came to regret that decision. I'd encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to go to their doctor and, if diagnosed, to start treatment as soon as possible." Since beginning treatment two-and-a-half years ago with Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b), one of the four primary MS therapies currently available, Beth has remained symptom-free.

Beth, who now is an advocate for early treatment of relapsing forms of MS, is just one of 27 people with MS showcased in a new photographic exhibit that will be on public display at Grand Central Terminal in New York City through February 3, 2006 (visit www.imageofms.com).

From California to New York; ages 19 to 61; men and women all tell their unique stories of how they live with and manage their MS. The exhibit, created by famed photographer Joyce Tenneson, is meant to help shatter many of the myths about MS. "There is grace, courage and hope in the everyday existence of people with MS and I believe that is what we have captured in the Image of MS portraits," says Joyce Tenneson, photographer.

"MS is a potentially disabling disease, so we need to strive to diagnose and treat MS earlier to help halt or slow the damage," said Barry G.W. Arnason, M.D., professor of neurology, James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond professor, University of Chicago. "Because the first symptoms can be mild, people hesitate to see their doctors, which is why efforts such as the Image of MS are so critical. We need the public to be aware of the early symptoms and understand that treatments available today can help slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms."

Since first looking through the viewfinder more than a quarter century ago, Joyce Tenneson has helped shape the way we see the world; from exhibitions to magazine covers to books, Tenneson's images have been described as "timeless and…deeply affecting." In her most recent project, The Image of MS, Joyce Tenneson focused her lens on a disease that many of us have seen very little of before: multiple sclerosis (MS).

Having always believed that art should be used to change the world, Tenneson described the chance to work on this exhibit as a "gift from the gods." Recognizing that multiple sclerosis remains a mystery to the public at large, she took this opportunity to capture the real face of 27 people living with multiple sclerosis. Her photographs show each patient's unique story, while all are illuminated with a common spirit of strength, determination and hope.

In a career spanning decades, Tenneson has earned her place among the most respected photographers of our time. Recently named Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2005 by The Lucie Awards, she has authored twelve books including the best seller, Wise Women, which was featured in a six-part Today Show series. Her photographs have been displayed throughout the world in over 150 exhibitions, and appear frequently on magazine covers such as Time, Life, Newsweek, Premiere, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine. In a recent poll conducted by American Photo Magazine, readers voted Tenneson among the 10 most influential women in the history of photography.

Born in Boston, Joyce currently lives and works in New York City.