[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       SALUTE TO THE MULTIPLE SCLE- ROSIS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

                                 ______


                        HON. THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 24, 1994

  Mr. FOGLIETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend the 
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, in the Philadelphia area, 
for being acknowledged by the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration [NASA] for implementing--to the benefit of MS 
sufferers--a 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 than 50 MS care centers in the United States. Additionally, the 
Multiple Sclerosis Association has sponsored a 12-week, detailed study 
of the microclimate system.
  The system, which consists of a head cap and a torso vest, 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.
  The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America offers their members 
and families a wide variety of services free of charge, including a 
toll-free 24-hour hotline, patient educational information and 
referral, therapeutic equipment, peer counseling, barrier-free housing, 
a bimonthly newsletter, a health resource panel, social and group 
activities, public advocacy and support, and volunteer assistance and 
support groups.
  Since 1970, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America's main 
thrust lies in the belief of MS'ers helping MS'ers. 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 the 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. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of 
America generated 513 million audience public information impressions 
in 1993 on television and radio nationally. Through these audience 
impressions, it received over 10,000 calls on its 1-800 nationwide 
hotline number.
  By the year 2000, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America plans to 
build 15 to 20 barrier-free 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 that it motivates and 
coordinates.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 
for the excellence of the organization's aid to MS sufferers and the 
organization's high reputation.

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