WHEREAS, multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving; is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, and every hour in the United States someone is newly diagnosed; and

        WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that in our state more than 1,900 people are living with this disease, and multiple sclerosis generally strikes young adults between the ages of 20 and 50, attacking them in the prime of their lives, and affects more than 400,000 people nationwide; and

        WHEREAS, symptoms ranges from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis; and the progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS; and

        WHEREAS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed throughout the years to mobilizing people statewide who want to do something about MS now, and is planning several major statewide fundraisers and educational programs to raise MS awareness; and

        WHEREAS, Walk MS and Bike MS events are scheduled this year throughout the state of Idaho; and

        WHEREAS, we devote programs and services to enhancing the lives of those with MS, and invest in research toward a cause and a cure;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C. L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim March 2nd through 7th, 2009, as

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

in Idaho, and commend this observance to all our citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in Boise, Idaho, on this 2nd day of March in the year of our Lord two-thousand and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE