- http://kuow.org/post/pediatric-ms-cases-rise-northwest-younger-patients-put-new-face-old-mystery
- http://kuow.org/post/search-cause-high-rates-ms-northwest-could-lead-new-treatments
- http://www.invw.org/article/a-map-of-multiple-scleros-1329
Provide names of other journalists involved.
This piece was reported and produced (both text and audio) by Carol Smith. Jason Alcorn provided data mapping. Jim Gates of KUOW edited the audio stories.
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
11-27-2012 and 11-28-2012 (two-part radio series) Note, I uploaded a pdf of one of the text pieces from our site because I was not able to upload mp3 files of the radio pieces. However, my intent was for the entry to be the radio stories so I’ve included the links to the radio pieces, which are available on KUOW’s website. Many thanks!
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The Pacific Northwest has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, yet the reasons why remain elusive. It’s an old mystery, but one that now has a new face. Today, doctors are seeing a growing number of cases in kids. They hope these young patients will yield more clues to what causes the disease. This two-part radio documentary lets us into the life of one such young patient, as well as the doctors and researchers who are trying to solve a mystery that might save her.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
This story relied on interviews with doctors, patients, their families, and researchers. In addition, I looked at data documenting the geographic distribution of the disease, as well as numerous research studies exploring its potential causes.
Explain types of human sources used.
see above
Results:
This was a story intended to shed new light on a story that many people in the area already thought they knew something about. By providing new information and the latest insight, it helped debunk many of the widely held misconceptions that people in this area have about the disorder.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
This story is an example of finding something new in your own back yard. By taking some commonly held wisdom about our area, and re-exploring it, I was able to find a new and interesting story that helped to reframe a health issue that many people face.