Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Whereas multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities; Whereas approximately 2,100,000 individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, yet it is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 children and adolescents are living with multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable neurological disease that interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the rest of the body; Whereas symptoms of multiple sclerosis range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis and the progress, severity, and specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis in any 1 individual cannot yet be predicted; Whereas there is no laboratory test available that definitely defines a diagnosis for multiple sclerosis; Whereas although multiple sclerosis is not directly inherited, studies show that genetic factors can indicate that certain individuals are susceptible to the disease; Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown and there is no cure; Whereas in rare cases, multiple sclerosis is so progressive that the disease is fatal, but most people with multiple sclerosis have a normal or near-normal life expectancy; Whereas severe multiple sclerosis can shorten the life span of an individual; Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, an affiliation of multiple sclerosis organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for all individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes and supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; Whereas the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition 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 supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of every calendar year; Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are (1) to invite individuals to join the movement to end multiple sclerosis; (2) to encourage individuals to demonstrate a commitment to moving toward a world free of multiple sclerosis; and (3) to acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated time and talent to promote multiple sclerosis research and programs; and Whereas this year, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is recognized during the week of March 11, 2013, through March 17, 2013: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; (2) 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; (3) encourages media organizations to participate in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and help provide education to the public about multiple sclerosis; (4) commends the efforts of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; (5) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to ending multiple sclerosis by promoting (A) awareness about individuals that are affected by multiple sclerosis; and (B) education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; (6) recognizes all individuals in the United States living with multiple sclerosis; (7) expresses gratitude to the family members and friends of individuals living with multiple sclerosis, who are a source of love and encouragement to those individuals; and (8) salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who (A) provide assistance to those individuals affected by multiple sclerosis; and (B) continue to work to find ways to stop the progression of the disease, restore nerve function, and end multiple sclerosis forever.

Summary: Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to ending multiple sclerosis by promoting: (1) awareness about individuals affected by multiple sclerosis; and (2) education programs, research, and expanded access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so affected and continue to work to find ways to stop the progression of the disease, restore nerve function, and end multiple sclerosis forever.