IV 
113TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 500 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 5, 2014 
Ms. LEE of California (for herself, Mr. BURGESS, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN) sub-
mitted 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, but is more common (at least 
2–3 times) in women than men; 
Whereas approximately 2,300,000 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 in the United States; 
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; 
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Whereas symptoms of multiple sclerosis range from numb-
ness and tingling to blindness and paralysis and the 
progress, severity and specific symptoms of multiple scle-
rosis 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 stud-
ies show there are genetic and likely environmental fac-
tors that indicate certain individuals are susceptible to 
the disease, such as Caucasians of northern European 
ancestry; 
Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown 
and there is no cure; 
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, a national network 
of independent multiple sclerosis organizations dedicated 
to the enhancement of the quality of life for all those af-
fected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes and supports Mul-
tiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of every 
calendar year; 
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 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 
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Whereas this year Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is rec-
ognized during the week of March 3, 2014, through 
March 9, 2014: 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; 
(6) recognizes and reaffirms the Nation’s com-
mitment to ending multiple sclerosis by promoting 
awareness about people that are affected with mul-
tiple sclerosis and by promoting new education pro-
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