SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes wants all Illinoisans to learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and how it affects the lives of more than 20,000 individuals in the state, including their family, friends and loved ones. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. As one of those 20,000 people in Illinois with MS, Holmes spoke of her experience on the Senate floor last week while presenting a Senate Resolution marking March 10-16 as MS Awareness Week in Illinois.

“There are a range of symptoms that vary in type and severity and, in time, may diminish or disappear, or persist and worsen,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “MS is a continuous disease process that is influenced and driven by underlying mechanisms of central nervous system damage.”

MS generally strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50. The cause of this disease is unknown but is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder. While there are several treatments, no cure currently exists. Since 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been a driving force in MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatments and cures, and it has invested more than $1 billion in research.

“Increased awareness of MS over time has resulted in more people being diagnosed,” Holmes said. “The good news is, no one has to face MS alone. Through the National MS Society, there are many resources available as a patient, parent or supporter of someone diagnosed with MS.”

The Senate adopted SR 699. To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Illinois Department of Public Health.