[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

 Mr. WOFFORD. Mr. President, I would like to recognize and 
commend the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 601 Horse Pike, 
Oaklyn, NJ 08107, for being acknowledged by the National Aeronautics 
Space Administration [NASA] for implementing--to the benefit of MS 
sufferers--space-derived personal cooling system.
  The cool suit lowers body temperature and alleviates MS problems with 
breathing, talking, and fatigue to provide a better quality of life.
  The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has placed cool suits 
in more the 50 MS care centers in the United States.
  Additionally, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has 
sponsored a 12-week, detailed study of the effectiveness of the 
microclimate system.
  The system, which consists of a head cap and a torso vest--the cool 
suit--is a spinoff from space technology.
  It regulates body temperature, with a cooling unit and pump. It can 
lower a patient's core temperature 1 degree Fahrenheit in 30 to 40 
minutes, according to a NASA report.
  Multiple Sclerosis Association of America founder, John Hodson, Sr., 
estimates that more than 100,000 MS patients will be able to get 
microclimate treatment.


                                benefits

  Multiple Sclerosis Association of America members and their families 
enjoy the following services free of charge:
  Toll-free 24-hour hotline, patient education information and 
referral, and therapeutic equipment;
  Peer counseling, barrier-free housing facilities, and bimonthly 
newsletter; health resource panel, social and group activities, and 
public advocacy and support; and volunteer assistance and support 
groups.


                                history

  Since 1970, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America's main thrust 
lies in the belief of people with MS helping people with MS.
  Cofounder Ruth Hodson, a MS patient, created this unique self-help 
organization with the goal of offering practical and knowledgeable 
advice and support to fellow Ms'ers.
  Most of Multiple Sclerosis Association of America's board of 
directors are MS patients. Yet, they have battled this disease to 
develop a successful, national health care association dedicated to 
meeting the needs of others.
  Multiple Sclerosis Association of America generated 513 million 
audience public information impressions in 1993 on television and radio 
nationally.
  Through these audience impressions, Multiple Sclerosis Association of 
America received over 10,000 calls on its 1-800 nationwide hotline 
number.
  By the year 2000, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America plans to 
construct 15 to 20 barrier-fee apartment complexes across the country.
  The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has brought great 
credit upon itself as an organization, its founder, John Hodson, Sr., 
its staff, and the thousands of volunteers Multiple Sclerosis 
Association of America motivates and coordinates.
  Mr. President, this U.S. Senate recognition of Multiple Sclerosis 
Association of America serves as a citation of excellence of the 
organization's aid to MS sufferers and the organization's high 
reputation.

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