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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 477 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 477

 Supporting the goals and ideals of designating March 2008 as National 
           Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 10, 2008

     Mr. Casey (for himself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
                          Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Supporting the goals and ideals of designating March 2008 as National 
           Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month.

Whereas multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages;
Whereas multiple sclerosis affects men and women of all races and ethnicities;
Whereas approximately 400,000 Americans live with multiple sclerosis;
Whereas approximately 2,500,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with 
        multiple sclerosis;
Whereas approximately 200 people a week are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis;
Whereas over 400 cases of childhood multiple sclerosis have been identified in 
        medical journals since 1980 and it is estimated that between 8,000 and 
        10,000 children and adolescents are affected;
Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown;
Whereas the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are unpredictable and vary from 
        person to person;
Whereas there is no laboratory test available for multiple sclerosis;
Whereas multiple sclerosis is not genetic, contagious, or directly inherited, 
        but studies show there are genetic factors that indicate certain 
        individuals are susceptible to the disease;
Whereas multiple sclerosis symptoms occur when an immune system attack affects 
        the myelin, destroying it and replacing it with scar tissue and severing 
        nerve fibers interfering with the transmission of nerve signals;
Whereas in rare cases multiple sclerosis is so progressive it is fatal;
Whereas there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis; and
Whereas March 2008 is recognized as National Multiple Sclerosis Education and 
        Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Multiple 
        Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month;
            (2) invites the chief executive officers of the States, 
        territories, and possessions of the United States to issue 
        proclamations designating March 2008 as National Multiple 
        Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month and recognizing the 
        goals and ideals of National Multiple Sclerosis Education and 
        Awareness Month;
            (3) commends the efforts of the States, territories, and 
        possessions of the United States, localities, non-profit 
        organizations, businesses, and other entities and the people of 
        the United States who support the goals and ideals of National 
        Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month;
            (4) recognizes and reaffirms our Nation's commitment to 
        combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its 
        causes and risks and by promoting new education programs, 
        supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; 
        and
            (5) recognizes all Americans living with multiple 
        sclerosis, expresses gratitude to their family members and 
        friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them, and 
        salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers 
        who provide assistance to those so afflicted and continue to 
        work to find cures and improve treatments.
                                 <all>
```