ENGROSSED HOUSE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 1010	By:	Lamons, Armes, Auffet, Bailey, Banz, Benge, Billy, Blackwell, Brannon, Brown, Buck, Cannaday, Carey, Christian, Collins, Coody, Cooksey, Cox, Dank, Denney, Derby, DeWitt, Dorman, Duncan, Enns, Faught, Fields, Glenn, Hamilton, Harrison, Hickman, Hilliard, Holland, Hoskin, Inman, Jackson, Jett, Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Joyner, Kern, Key, Kiesel, Kirby, Kouplen, Liebmann, Luttrell, Martin (Scott), Martin (Steve), McAffrey, McCullough, McDaniel (Jeannie), McDaniel (Randy), McMullen, McNiel, McPeak, Miller, Moore, Morgan, Morrissette, Murphey, Nations, Nelson, Ortega, Osborn, Ownbey, Peters, Peterson, Pittman, Proctor, Pruett, Renegar, Reynolds, Richardson, Ritze, Roan, Rousselot, Sanders, Schwartz, Scott, Sears, Shannon, Shelton, Sherrer, Shoemake, Shumate, Smithson, Steele, Sullivan, Terrill, Thompson, Thomsen, Tibbs, Trebilcock, Walker, Watson, Wesselhoft, Williams, Wright (Harold) and Wright (John) 

A Concurrent Resolution recognizing the importance of finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis; expressing appreciation to the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for its work; proclaiming March, 2009 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month; and providing for distribution.

WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans across this country; and
WHEREAS, nearly 200 new cases of multiple sclerosis are being diagnosed each week nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that in our state more than 21,000 people are affected by this devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis generally strikes young adults aged 20 through 40, attacking them in the prime of their lives; and
WHEREAS, some of these young adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience tremendous suffering and pain leading to total paralysis in some cases; and
WHEREAS, the cause and cure for this debilitating disease remain unknown; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual economic impact of multiple sclerosis is $23 billion; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual economic impact of multiple sclerosis on a family is $59,000; and
WHEREAS, the need for accessible housing and home modifications cost people with multiple sclerosis over a half-billion dollars a year; and
WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis may cost an individual at least an estimated $22,000 annually on lost wages; and
WHEREAS, the cost of health care for an individual is estimated annually at $21,500; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed throughout the years to heightening public knowledge and insight about this devastating and sometimes crippling disease; and
WHEREAS, this dedicated Oklahoma Chapter is currently planning several major statewide fundraisers and educational programs in order to raise awareness about the effects of multiple sclerosis; and
WHEREAS, Multiple Sclerosis Walks are scheduled this year in Lawton on March 28, in Tulsa on April 4, in Oklahoma City on April 25, and in Ponca City in May; and
WHEREAS, the Women Against Multiple Sclerosis (WAMS) Luncheon is scheduled for April 8, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City; and
WHEREAS, the First Annual MS Day of Service will be held on May 30; and
WHEREAS, last year in Oklahoma more than $1.4 million was raised to find the cure for multiple sclerosis and develop effective treatments for the disease, as well as provide a wide range of client programs to improve the lives of 3,000 individuals living with multiple sclerosis in our state; and
WHEREAS, finding the cause and developing a method of prevention for multiple sclerosis is an important task that all Americans and Oklahomans should support; and
WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has declared March 2 through March 8, 2009, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 52ND OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
THAT the Oklahoma Legislature recognizes the importance of finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis, a terribly perplexing and painful disease, which affects hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many Oklahomans.
THAT the Oklahoma Legislature expresses its appreciation and admiration for the major work that the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has done over the years to heighten the knowledge and insight of the public about this debilitating disease.
THAT the Oklahoma Legislature proclaims March 2009 as “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month” and encourages the citizens of this great state to join in the fight to end this devastating disease.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Patrick Evans, Chair of Government Relations and Chairman of the Board, Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; and Paula Cortner, President, Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 4th day of March, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer of the House of
	Representatives

Adopted by the Senate the ____ day of ____________, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer of the Senate