[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1116 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1116

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        April 21, 2010.
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 laboratory test available that definitely defines a 
        diagnosis 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 one 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 8, 2010, through March 14, 2010: 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 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 the 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.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.