WHEREAS,  multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that typically strikes in young adulthood and for which there is no cure at present; and

WHEREAS,  multiple sclerosis affects 400,000 people nationwide, including 8,000 to 10,000 children and teens; over 3,000 individuals in Maine have the disease, which is one of the highest per capita rates in the nation; and

WHEREAS,  there is conclusive evidence of an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in veterans of the Gulf War; and

WHEREAS,  the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a driving force of multiple sclerosis research, pursuing prevention, treatment and cure, and the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society educates, supports and advocates for people with multiple sclerosis and their families to help them maintain the highest possible quality of life; and

WHEREAS,  the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society encourages individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families, health professionals and other concerned citizens to join the movement to advocate for policy change in the priority areas of high-quality health care, health care coverage, long-term care and disability rights; now, therefore, be it