SCR 16, Block. Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
This measure would declare the week of March 2, 2015, through March 8, 2015, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
WHEREAS, The week of March 2, 2015, through March 8, 2015, has been declared Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in recognition of the importance of finding the cause of, and a cure for, multiple sclerosis and to express appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its California chapters; and
WHEREAS, Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans across the country, and nearly 200 new cases are diagnosed each week nationwide; and
WHEREAS, More than 40,000 people in California are affected by this devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, Twice as many women as men have multiple sclerosis and most are diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age, inclusive, and while studies indicate genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, there is no evidence that multiple sclerosis is directly inherited; and
WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946, funds more research, offers more services for people with multiple sclerosis, and provides more professional education programs than any other multiple sclerosis organization in the world. Through its 50-state network of chapters, the society serves more than one million people annually; and
WHEREAS, The society is the largest private supporter of multiple sclerosis research in the world, and for more than 55 years it has funded innovative research and advocated for government support of important scientific inquiries; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the California chapters of the society have been committed to heightening public knowledge and insight, and are currently planning several major statewide educational programs to raise awareness about the effects of multiple sclerosis; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares the week of March 2, 2015, through March 8, 2015, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and that the residents of the State of California are encouraged to join together in raising awareness and heightening public knowledge of this debilitating disease; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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