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 people worldwide have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, however 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 one person cannot yet be predicted; Whereas there is no laboratory test available that definitely defines a diagnosis for multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is not directly inherited, but studies show there are genetic factors that indicate 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 it is fatal, but most people with multiple sclerosis have a normal or near-normal life expectancy; Whereas severe multiple sclerosis can shorten life; 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 supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of every calendar year; 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 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 11, 2013, through March 17, 2013: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (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 ending multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about people that are affected with multiple sclerosis 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 professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to 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.

Summary: Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to creating a world free of multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about people affected by the disease, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding 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.