H. Res. 1116 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

April 21, 2010. 

Whereas multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all 

ages, races, and ethnicities; 

Whereas more than 400,000 Americans live with multiple 

sclerosis; 

Whereas approximately 2,500,000 people worldwide have 

been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; 

Whereas every hour of every day, someone is newly diagnosed 

with multiple sclerosis; 

Whereas it is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 children and adolescents are living with multiple sclerosis; 

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 that definitely 

defines a diagnosis 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; 
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•HRES 1116 EH 

Whereas multiple sclerosis symptoms occur when an immune 

system attack affects the myelin in nerve fibers of the 

central nervous system, damaging or destroying it and replacing it with scar tissue, thereby interfering with or 

preventing 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; 

Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, an affiliation of 

multiple sclerosis organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those affected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes, and celebrates Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; 

Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition’s mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater 

opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for 

the benefit of the multiple sclerosis community; 

Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition recognizes and celebrates Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during one 

week in March every calendar year; 

Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are 

to invite people to join the movement to end multiple 

sclerosis, encourage everyone to do something to demonstrate their commitment to moving toward a world free 

of multiple sclerosis, and to acknowledge those who have 

dedicated their time and talent to help promote multiple 

sclerosis research and programs; and 

Whereas this year Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is recognized during the week of March 8, 2010, through 

March 14, 2010: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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•HRES 1116 EH 

(1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; 

(2) encourages the President to issue a proclamation in support of the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; 

(3) encourages States, territories, possessions of the 

United States, and localities to support the goals and 

ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by issuing 

proclamations designating Multiple Sclerosis Awareness 

Week; 

(4) encourages media organizations to participate in 

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and help educate the 

public about multiple sclerosis; 

(5) commends the efforts of the States, territories, 

and possessions of the United States who support the 

goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; 

(6) recognizes and reaffirms the 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 

(7) recognizes all people in the United States 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 pro-
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•HRES 1116 EH 

fessionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those so afflicted and continue to work to find 

cures and improve treatments. 

Attest: 

Clerk.