STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
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 the ultimate goal of eradicating multiple sclerosis and to serving those currently living with the disease, and as they pursue the discovery of 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 steadfast in its efforts to find 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 by maintaining 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 to assist their family members;  and

Whereas, today, of the approximately 400,000 Americans diagnosed with MS, most are between 20 and 50 years of age, making it the number one disabler of young adults, and New York State is committed to eliminating all auto-immune and neurological conditions, supporting further medical research, and making quality medical treatment more available;  and

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

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 2-8, 2009 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 eighteen day of February in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor