Senators Stamas, Brandenburg, Proos, Schmidt, MacGregor, Hood, Hansen, Booher, Horn, Hildenbrand, Bieda, Knollenberg, Jones, Marleau, Ananich, Gregory, Rocca, Hertel, Zorn and Shirkey offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 38.

            A resolution to commemorate April 22, 2015, as Multiple Sclerosis State Action Day.

            Whereas, Multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities. More than 400,000 Americans live with autoimmune disorder; and

            Whereas, Every hour of every day, someone in the United States is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Approximately 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. It 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 replaces 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 State Action Day is 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 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 the members of this legislative body commemorate April 22, 2015, as Multiple Sclerosis State Action Day; and be it further

            Resolved, That this legislative body supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis State Action Day; and be it further

            Resolved, That this legislative body encourages media organizations to participate in Multiple Sclerosis State Action Day, and help educate the public about multiple sclerosis; and be it further

            Resolved, That this legislative body recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to combat multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks and promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment; and be it further

            Resolved, That this legislative body recognizes all people in Michigan living with multiple sclerosis; expresses gratitude to their family members and friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them; and salutes 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 a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter as a token of our esteem.