Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week
Washington, D.C. – To mark Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced an annual resolution supporting the Goals and Ideals of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week. This resolution was first introduced in 2008.
“I hope this resolution increases awareness about this disease that my family and hundreds of thousands of families around our nation face,” said Congresswoman Lee. “My sister, Mildred has lived with MS for more than 40 years. Her courage and the courage of the two million living with MS inspires me to redouble my efforts for more research, treatment and a cure.”
Representatives Harper (R-MS), Levin (D-MI), Langevin (D-RI), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Norton (D-DC), Grijalva (D-AZ), Michael Kelly (R-PA), Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Moore (D-WI).
Multiple Sclerosis affects approximately 2 million people worldwide.
It is a chronic, unpredictable and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms may range from mild numbness in the limbs to paralysis or vision loss. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person.
Congresswoman Lee has introduced the Adult Day Center Enhancement Act (H.R. 263) to expand and enhance adult day programs that provide care and support for those living with neurological diseases and disorders, like MS.
“Adult day programs provide a critical source of support for those living with neurological diseases and disorders. This bill would ensure that these vital programs are strengthened while ensuring that the needs of young adults and veterans are met,” said Congresswoman Lee. “We must ensure that individuals suffering from MS, Parkinson’s, TBI and other similar neurological diseases or conditions and their families can continue to live their lives with dignity.”
She is the recipient of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Legislator of The Year Award and a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Caucus.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.