IV 
112TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 560 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 17, 2012 
Ms. LEE of California (for herself, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. BURGESS, Mrs. CAP-
ITO, and Mr. YOUNG of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
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 more than 400,000 Americans live with multiple 
sclerosis; 
Whereas approximately 2,100,000 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 chil-
dren and adolescents are living with multiple sclerosis; 
Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still un-
known; 
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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 di-
rectly inherited, but studies show there are genetic fac-
tors that indicate certain individuals are susceptible to 
the disease; 
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 re-
placing 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 enhance-
ment of the quality of life for all those affected by mul-
tiple sclerosis, recognizes and supports Multiple Sclerosis 
Awareness Week; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition’s mission is to in-
crease 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 sup-
ports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March 
of every calendar year; 
Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are 
to invite people to join the movement to end multiple 
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sclerosis, encourage everyone to do something to dem-
onstrate 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 rec-
ognized during the week of March 12, 2012, through 
March 18, 2012: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple 
Sclerosis Awareness Week; 
(2) encourages the President to issue a procla-
mation 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 partici-
pate in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and help 
educate the public about multiple sclerosis; 
(5) commends the efforts of the States, terri-
tories, and possessions of the United States who 
support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis 
Awareness Week; 
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(6) recognizes and reaffirms the Nation’s com-
mitment to creating a world free of multiple sclerosis 
by promoting awareness about people that are af-
fected with multiple sclerosis and by promoting new 
education programs, supporting research, and ex-
panding 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 con-
tinue to work to find ways to stop the progression 
of the disease, restore nerve function, and end mul-
tiple sclerosis forever. 
Æ 
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