III 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 477 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 10, 2008 Mr. Casey (for himself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of designating March 2008 as National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month.

Whereas multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages; Whereas multiple sclerosis affects men and women of all races and ethnicities; Whereas approximately 400,000 Americans live with multiple sclerosis; Whereas approximately 2,500,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Whereas approximately 200 people a week are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Whereas over 400 cases of childhood multiple sclerosis have been identified in medical journals since 1980 and it is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 children and adolescents are affected; Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown; Whereas the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are unpredictable and vary from person to person; Whereas there is no laboratory test available for multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is not genetic, contagious, or directly inherited, but studies show there are genetic factors that indicate certain individuals are susceptible to the disease; Whereas multiple sclerosis symptoms occur when an immune system attack affects the myelin, destroying it and replacing it with scar tissue and severing nerve fibers interfering with 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; and Whereas March 2008 is recognized as National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month; (2)invites the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating March 2008 as National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month and recognizing the goals and ideals of National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month; (3)commends the efforts of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States, localities, non-profit organizations, businesses, and other entities and the people of the United States who support the goals and ideals of National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month; (4)recognizes and reaffirms our Nation’s commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; and (5)recognizes all Americans 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 continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.