III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 396 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 14, 2012 Mr. Casey (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Tester, and Ms. Ayotte) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 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 2,100,000 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 to 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 definitively diagnoses a case of multiple sclerosis; Whereas multiple sclerosis is not genetic, contagious, or directly inherited, but studies show that 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 the myelin and replacing the myelin with scar tissue, thereby interfering with or preventing the transmission of nerve signals; Whereas in rare cases, multiple sclerosis is so progressive that the disease 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 supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; Whereas the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition 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 supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of every calendar year; Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are— (1)to invite people to join the movement to end multiple sclerosis; (2)to encourage everyone to do something that demonstrates a commitment to moving toward a world free of multiple sclerosis; and (3)to acknowledge those who have dedicated their time and talent to help promote multiple sclerosis research and programs; and Whereas in 2012, the week of March 12, 2012, through March 18, 2012, has been designated as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; (2)encourages the States, territories, possessions, and localities of the United States to support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by issuing proclamations designating Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; (3)encourages media organizations to participate in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and to help educate the public about multiple sclerosis; (4)commends the efforts of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States that support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; (5)recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to creating a world free of multiple sclerosis by— (A)promoting awareness about people who are affected with multiple sclerosis; and (B)promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; and (6)expresses gratitude to the family members and friends of those people in the United States living with multiple sclerosis who are a source of love and encouragement to those individuals; and (7)salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those individuals affected with multiple sclerosis and continue to work to find ways to stop the progression of the disease, restore nerve function, and end multiple sclerosis forever.