Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, disabling neurological disease of unknown origin that affects the central nervous system and has no known cure; and

WHEREAS, MS has been diagnosed in more than 400,000 people nationwide, whose family, friends and employers are affected as well; and

WHEREAS, people with MS are often misunderstood because many of their symptoms—including fatigue, weakness, cognition difficulties, vision loss, and depression—are “invisible”; and

WHEREAS, with early drug therapy and proper healthcare management disease progression can be slowed, allowing people with MS to live active, rewarding and productive lives; and

WHEREAS, increased public education and awareness about MS not only helps people who must cope with the disease, but also stimulates funds for vital research aimed at developing more disease-modifying treatments and ultimately a cure; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is, in part, to improve the quality of life of people with MS nationwide through educational programs and materials, grant programs, support groups, and other services; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the state of Alabama to promote awareness of MS and a better understanding of people who live with the disease:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2012 as

Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

in the state of Alabama.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 24th day of February 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley