1.0" ?> 20250SR__008598ENR 98 INTRODUCED 2026-02-26 PASSED_SENATE 2026-03-12 ENROLLED 2026-03-13 2025 0 SR 85 ENR Introduced by Senator Umberg LEAD_AUTHOR SENATE Umberg Relative to Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

WHEREAS, The week of March 8, 2026, to March 14, 2026, inclusive, has been declared Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in recognition of the importance of finding the cause of, and a cure for, multiple sclerosis and to express appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; and

WHEREAS, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects an estimated 1,000,000 people in the United States alone, with nearly 200 new cases diagnosed each week; and

WHEREAS, MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 40,000 people in California; and

WHEREAS, Most people are diagnosed with MS between 20 and 50 years of age, but an estimated 10,000 children live with MS worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Twice as many women as men have MS; and

WHEREAS, The exact cause of MS is unknown and no cure currently exists; and

WHEREAS, While there is no evidence that multiple sclerosis is directly inherited, studies indicate genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to a world free of MS, raising public knowledge about the disease, and elevating the voices of those affected by it; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has transformed what it means to live with MS and provided global leadership to speed discoveries to help achieve our vision of a world free of MS; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946, funds more research, offers more services for people with multiple sclerosis, and provides more professional education programs than any other multiple sclerosis organization in the world; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is the largest private supporter of MS research in the world and, for more than 55 years, has funded innovative research and advocated for government support of important scientific inquiries; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed to heightening public knowledge and insight, and is currently planning several major statewide educational programs to raise awareness about the effects of multiple sclerosis; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate declares the week of March 8, 2026, to March 14, 2026, inclusive, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and that the residents of the State of California are encouraged to join together in raising awareness and heightening public knowledge of this debilitating disease; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the importance of finding the cause of, and cure for, MS and expresses its appreciation for the dedication that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—Pacific South Coast Chapter has shown toward creating a world free of MS; and be it further.

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.