[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 14 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 14


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 6, 2009

Received and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                                Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT 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 2,500,000 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 children and adolescents 
        are living with multiple sclerosis;
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 diagnostic 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 in nerve fibers of the central nervous system, damaging or 
        destroying it and replacing 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 enhancement of the quality of life for 
        all those affected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes, and celebrates 
        Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
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 Multiple Sclerosis Coalition recognizes and celebrates 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 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 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 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 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
            (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 
        continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 5, 2009.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.