State of Vermont

Executive Department

A Proclamation

Whereas,                            Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, disabling neurological disease of unknown origin that affects the central nervous system and has no known cure; and

Whereas,                            over 400,000 Americans including more than 2,300 Vermonters have been diagnosed with MS; and

Whereas,                            people with MS are often misunderstood because many of their symptoms—including fatigue, weakness, cognition difficulties, vision loss and depression—are invisible; and

Whereas,                            with early drug therapy and proper healthcare management, disease progression can be slowed, allowing people with MS to like active, rewarding and productive lives; and

Whereas,                            increased public education and awareness about MS not only helps people who must cope with the disease, but also stimulates funds for vital research aimed at developing more disease modifying treatments and ultimately a cure;

Now, Therefore,            I, Peter Shumlin, Governor, do hereby proclaim March, A.D. 2011 as

Multiple Slerosis Education and Awareness Month

in Vermont and urge Vermonters to work together to raise awareness

of the disease that affect many of our friends and neighbors

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of

Vermont on this day of February, A.D. 2011

Peter Shumlin
Governor

Alexandra MacLean
Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs