SR-125, As Adopted by Senate, March 8, 2012

            Senator Gregory offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 125.

            A resolution to declare March 12-18, 2012, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.

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

            Whereas, More than 400,000 Americans live with multiple sclerosis. Every hour of every day, someone in the United States is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over 18,000 Michigan residents have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; and

            Whereas, The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, and the symptoms are unpredictable and vary from person to person; and

            Whereas, There is no diagnostic laboratory test available for multiple sclerosis; and

            Whereas, Multiple sclerosis is not genetic, contagious, or directly inherited, but studies show 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, There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis; and

            Whereas, The goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are 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 to acknowledge those who have dedicated their time and talent to help promote multiple sclerosis research and programs; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby declare March 12-18, 2012, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in the state of Michigan, and we support the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week; and be it further

            Resolved, That media organizations are encouraged to participate in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and help educate the public about multiple sclerosis; and be it further

            Resolved, That we recognize and reaffirm the commitment of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to combat multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks and by fostering new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; and be it further

            Resolved, That members of this legislative body recognize all people in Michigan living with multiple sclerosis and express gratitude to their family members and friends who are asource of love and encouragement to them. We also salute the health care professionals and medical researchers who provide assistance to those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter.