HR0145 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0145 LRB097 11025 KXB 51907 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, More than 20,000 Illinoisans live with multiple sclerosis; and

WHEREAS, Someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis every hour of every day; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 8,000 to 10,000 children and adolescents nationwide are living with multiple sclerosis; and

WHEREAS, The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown; and

WHEREAS, The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are unpredictable and vary from person to person; and

WHEREAS, There is no laboratory test available for multiple sclerosis that precisely defines a diagnosis; and

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; and

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; and

WHEREAS, In rare cases, multiple sclerosis is so progressive that its effects are fatal; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois and its Gateway Area Chapter join with other national, state, and regional multiple sclerosis organizations to celebrate Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during one week in March every year; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois and its Gateway Area Chapter 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; and

WHEREAS, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week was created 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 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 7 through March 13, 2011; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we show our support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the citizens of this State to support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and commend the efforts of all who support its goals and ideals; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize and reaffirm our 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 be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize all people in Illinois living with multiple sclerosis, express our gratitude to the family members and friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them, and salute the health care professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those affected by multiple sclerosis and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.