New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers place the highest priority on health-related issues including the various forms of auto-immune and neurological conditions striking people of all ages, races and walks of life, and one of the most prevalent is Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which affects more than 400,000 Americans with an estimated 10,400 new cases diagnosed each year; and

Whereas, the combined impact of the four types of MS challenges the lives of not only those diagnosed with the condition, but also their friends, family and caregivers, adding approximately $35,000 per year in health care costs for the average person living with MS - and these costs can exceed $2.2 million over the person's entire lifespan; and

Whereas, a number of non-profit health organizations, such as the National MS Society, are dedicated to eradicating multiple sclerosis and to serving those touched by the disease and, as they work to discover new and more effective treatments, therapies and cures, we applaud their vigorous efforts in combating the widespread, aggressive and unpredictable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; and

Whereas, the National MS Society is dedicated to finding cures for these diseases through medical research, voluntary contributions and public support, and here in New York State, the Society serves over 34,000 people living with MS and maintains offices in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Westchester County, Long Island and New York City to carry out its compassionate work on behalf of individuals with these diseases and their family members; and

Whereas, today, approximately 400,000 Americans between the ages of 20 and 50 are diagnosed with MS, making it the number one disabler of young adults, and New York State is committed to eradicating all auto-immune and neurological conditions and provides public funding to support further research and medical treatment of those who suffer from them; and

Whereas, recognizing that good health is a key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life, New York State also encourages private efforts to enhance research funding and education programs that address MS, and we therefore support observances that raise public awareness concerning urgent health matters, such as multiple sclerosis, with hopes of eliminating all forms of this dreadful disease from our lives;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 10-17, 2008 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twentieth day of February in the year two thousand eight.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor