ENROLLED HOUSE
RESOLUTION NO. 1015	By:	McDaniel (Jeannie), McDaniel (Randy) and Roberts (Sean) 

A Resolution recognizing the importance of finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis; expressing appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma for its work; proclaiming March 2011 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease of the central nervous system, affecting an estimated Four Hundred Thousand Americans across this country, and nearly Two Hundred new cases of multiple sclerosis are being diagnosed each week nationwide.  Multiple sclerosis generally strikes young adults 20 through 40 years of age, but can begin in childhood, attacking them in the prime of their lives.  Some of these young adults diagnosed with MS experience tremendous suffering and pain, which leads to total paralysis in some cases.  The cause and cure for this debilitating disease remain unknown; and

WHEREAS, the estimated annual economic impact of MS is $23 Billion Dollars and the annual economic impact of MS on a family is $64,000.00.  MS may cost an individual an estimated $27,000.00 annually in lost wages, and the cost of health care for an individual is estimated annually at $39,000.00.  The need for accessible housing and home modifications costs people with MS over half a billion dollars per year; and

WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma reports that in our state more than 24,000 people are affected directly or indirectly by this destructive disease.  The National MS Society Oklahoma has been committed throughout the years to heighten public knowledge and insight about this devastating and sometimes crippling disease; and

WHEREAS, the MS Center of Excellence has opened in the heart of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Research Tower, and providing world-class care while searching for the cause of and developing a method of prevention for multiple sclerosis are central to its mission; and

WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma annually plans major statewide fundraisers and educational programs to raise awareness, provide services and support research efforts in our state.  MS Walks are scheduled this year in Lawton on April 9, in Tulsa on April 16, in Oklahoma City on April 30, and in Ardmore on May 21.  Bike MS – The Mother Road Ride, kicks off in Tulsa and culminates in Oklahoma City on September 17.  Last year, Oklahomans raised more than $1.5 Million to fund research and the programs and services of the National MS Society Oklahoma.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of research in finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis, a terribly perplexing and painful disease which affects thousands of Oklahomans.

THAT the House of Representatives expresses its appreciation and admiration for the work that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma has done over the years to heighten the knowledge and insight of the public about MS as well as the long history of the organization of serving and advocating on behalf of Oklahoma citizens who live daily with this debilitating disease.

THAT the House of Representatives proclaims March 2011 as “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month” and encourages the citizens of this great state to join in the fight to stop this devastating disease.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to George Black, Government Relations Chair, and Candace Richerson, Health Resources Advocate on behalf of the members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma.

Adopted by the House of Representatives the 15th day of March, 2011.

	
Presiding Officer of the House of
	Representatives