•HCON 14 EH 
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; 
Whereas the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are unpredictable 
and vary from person to person; 
Whereas there is no diagnostic laboratory test available 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 celebrates Multiple Scle-
rosis Awareness Week; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition’s mission is to in-
crease opportunities for cooperation and provide greater
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opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for 
the benefit of the multiple sclerosis community; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition recognizes and cele-
brates Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during 1 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 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 2, 2009 through 
March 8, 2009: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress— 
(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;
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(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; 
(6) recognizes and reaffirms our Nation’s com-
mitment to combating multiple sclerosis by pro-
moting awareness about its causes and risks and by 
promoting new education programs, supporting re-
search, 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 afflicted and con-
tinue to work to find cures and improve treatments. 
Passed the House of Representatives March 5, 
2009. 
Attest: 
Clerk.
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 14 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple 
Sclerosis Awareness Week.