When MPS is identified early, it opens the door to timely care, informed decisions, and better outcomes. Families can access the right specialists sooner, begin treatment earlier, and plan for the future with greater clarity and support. Early diagnosis doesn’t just change a timeline—it changes what’s possible.
When diagnosis is delayed, critical time is lost—time that cannot be recovered. Families often face years of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and unanswered questions while the disease continues to progress. By the time answers come, opportunities for early intervention may have already passed, impacting both quality of life and long-term outcomes.
As part of last year’s MPS Day campaign, we shared two powerful videos featuring Canadian families—one impacted by early diagnosis through Ontario’s Newborn Screening Program, and another facing a much later diagnosis.
Their stories are a powerful reminder that time matters, and that early diagnosis can change lives.
Watch the videos below:
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are genetic lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) caused by the body’s inability to produce specific enzymes. The missing or insufficient enzyme prevents cells from recycling waste, resulting in the storage of materials in cells throughout the body. As the disease progresses, there is widespread damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system, leading to a shortened lifespan.
Take action today. Share the campaign, become a partner of the IMPSN, donate, and stand with the global MPS community. Together, we can raise awareness, demand equity in care, and accelerate research for a better future.