The MSing Link with Dr. Gretchen Hawley

Episode 250: Newly Diagnosed with MS? How to Find MS Support and Connect with Other People with MS
Guest: Amy Stowe, Head of Operations at Shift.ms
Released: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the importance of connection and community for those newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Dr. Gretchen Hawley interviews Amy Stowe from Shift.ms, focusing on the "Buddy Network"—a peer support program designed to help people with MS find understanding, reduce isolation, and build confidence in navigating life after diagnosis. The discussion unpacks how the program works, its unique features, notable results, and how listeners can access or get involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Shift.ms and Its Mission

• Origins & Purpose:

  • Shift.ms is a digital-first community by and for people with MS ("by MSers for MSers") ([05:09]-[10:44]).
  • Founded by someone diagnosed at 22 who found traditional support groups unrelatable and inaccessible.
  • Emphasizes the lived experience and plain-language peer support, especially for those newly diagnosed (first two years is the primary focus).

• Accessibility:

  • Virtual and app-based, available 24/7.
  • Able to connect people globally, overcoming barriers of geography and time ([08:33]).

“It was a way of people to connect without geography really being a barrier. It also meant that it was there 24/7, still is there 24/7.”
— Amy Stowe [07:45]

2. The Buddy Network: How It Works

• Concept & Development:

  • One-to-one peer matching between newly diagnosed MSers and "buddies" (people further along their MS journey) ([14:20]-[15:56]).
  • Developed from the founder’s informal peer chats and requests from healthcare professionals who couldn't connect patients due to confidentiality.

• Scale:

  • Launched in 2018; supported over 2,000 newly diagnosed participants with help from 350+ buddies to date.

• Flexibility:

  • Pairings are personalized based on criteria like location, MS type, age, and sometimes gender or specific concerns (e.g., family planning).
  • Communication can take place within the Shift.ms app or migrate to other platforms (WhatsApp, phone call, email), based on user preference ([18:13]-[20:29]).

“It’s essentially a one to one peer support project that connects people who are newly diagnosed...with a buddy, somebody who is a more experienced person with MS.”
— Amy Stowe [14:20]

3. Unique Features & Approach

• Lived Experience at the Center:

  • All buddies live with MS; program is “by MSers, for MSers.”
  • Personalized advice and shared understanding of challenges unique to MS.

• App-Based Support & Personalization:

  • The Shift.ms app tailors content and connections based on user timelines and needs ([13:10]).
  • Reduces wait time for matches—now “two to three days on average,” with a future goal of 48 hours ([30:55], [32:30]).

• Not Just About Clinical Advice:

  • Focus is on emotional support, adjustment, navigating work/family, and general well-being rather than medical accountability or exercise check-ins ([16:48]-[17:12]).

• Holistic Training & Support for Buddies:

  • Buddies pass a selective screening and receive written and video training based on real-life scenarios provided by previous buddies.
  • Regular group support, check-ins, and resource sharing among buddies; peer-to-peer within the peer network ([21:08]-[26:09]).

“It is more about that emotional and well being support to kind of get people to adjust to their diagnosis.”
— Amy Stowe [16:48]

“Everybody’s winning. You know, the buddies are winning and obviously the people who are getting the support are winning as well.”
— Amy Stowe [26:16]

4. Impact and Outcomes

• Reducing Loneliness & Building Confidence:

  • 82% of people joining the program don’t know a single other person with MS ([00:32], [22:09]).
  • After participating, 71% report knowing another person with MS they can contact; reported loneliness decreases by 60%, and confidence about the future rises by 50% ([28:06]).

• Health Relevance:

  • Addressing loneliness is crucial due to its proven impact on MS progression ([30:05], [33:35]).

“At point of entry...they feel on their own, they don’t know anybody else. And you know, obviously we see a general upward trend when it comes to sort of the end of their match.”
— Amy Stowe [29:58]

5. Accessibility, Speed, and Global Reach

• Global Scope:

  • While based in the UK, serves participants from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and beyond. English-speaking is the only real limitation ([33:54]-[35:01]).

• Ease of Use:

  • Application is intuitive—just a few questions in-app, visible tracking, and rapid matching.
  • No need for phone calls or complex paperwork—joining is streamlined for those who might struggle with energy or motivation.

• Inclusivity:

  • Open to anyone at any stage, though focus remains newly diagnosed; also exploring ways to serve specific needs (work, pregnancy, etc.).

“There’s been lots of learnings on the way. If you’d looked at this program two, two and a half years ago, it was not as easy as it is now...We’ve really tried to streamline it.”
— Amy Stowe [30:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “82% of people coming into their program don’t know a single other person with MS. Can you even imagine that?”
  — Dr. Gretchen Hawley [00:27]

• “The buddies are winning and obviously the people who are getting the support are winning as well...It’s such a brilliant program and I do think it is fairly unique.”
  — Amy Stowe [26:16]

• “We see some brilliant results...79% of people say that there’s enough people that they feel close to...a 60% increase from the baseline.”
  — Amy Stowe [28:35]

• “The research shows [loneliness] literally can progress your MS.”
  — Dr. Gretchen Hawley [33:35]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:09]: Origins and mission of Shift.ms
• [08:33]: The importance of accessible, virtual support
• [10:44]: How Shift.ms differs from other MS communities
• [14:20]: The Buddy Network: conception and scale
• [15:56]: Demand and user experiences
• [18:13]: How matching and communication works
• [21:08]: Buddy recruitment and training process
• [26:16]: Mutual benefits for both buddies and recipients
• [28:06]: Measured outcomes; data on decreased isolation and increased confidence
• [30:55]: The power of automation and the app; speed of matching
• [33:54]: Global reach and English-language accessibility
• [35:17]: How to get involved or find out more

How to Access the Buddy Network & Additional Resources

• Download the App:
  • Available on Apple App Store and Google Play—search “Shift.ms.”
  • Once signed up, messaging and Buddy Network options appear based on your diagnosis timeline.
• Email:
  • Reach the team at hello@shift.ms
• Website:
  • www.shift.ms
• Social Media:
  • Especially active on Instagram—DMs welcome.

“Download the Shift MS app...You’ll be asked to join and then you should start seeing messaging depending on how many years you’ve been diagnosed for the Buddy Network.”
— Amy Stowe [35:17]

Tone & Takeaways:
Support, relatability, and empowerment underscore the conversation, with both Dr. Hawley and Amy Stowe emphasizing that nobody with MS should feel alone. The Buddy Network program is portrayed not simply as a resource, but as a lifeline—supported by data, peer experience, and a sincere, human touch.

For anyone newly diagnosed with MS (or seeking connection):

• Easily, privately, and quickly connect with someone who understands.
• Support and community can be just a few taps away—no one needs to navigate MS alone.