SENATE RESOLUTION 49

(By Senators Stollings, Plymale, Cline, Prezioso, and Boso)

[Introduced February 21, 2018]

Designating March 11-17, 2018, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Whereas, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease of the central nervous system, affecting 2.3 million people worldwide; and 

Whereas, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society—Virginia-West Virginia Chapter reports that in our state more than 3,000 people are living with MS and that the disease generally strikes people in the prime of life, between ages 20 through 50, and the cause and course of the often debilitating symptoms of MS remain unknown and no cure currently exists; and

Whereas, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed for more than 70 years to a world free of MS, heightening public knowledge about, and insight into, the disease; and

Whereas, Since 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatments, and a cure, and has invested more than $900 million in ground-breaking research; and

Whereas, Funds raised through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society fuel $42.1 million funding 380 research projects at the best medical centers, universities, and other institutions throughout the U. S. and abroad, leading to many breakthroughs in the treatment of MS; and

Whereas, Stopping MS in its tracks, restoring what has been lost, and ending MS forever is the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and one that all Americans and West Virginians should support; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes the importance of finding the cause and cure of MS and expresses its appreciation for the dedication that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—Virginia-West Virginia Chapter has shown toward creating a world free of MS; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate designates March 11-17, 2018, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.