The National MS Society testified today before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in support of increased funding for multiple sclerosis research. Shawn O’Neail, the Society’s associate vice president for federal government relations, provided testimony on behalf of the more than 400,000 Americans and nearly 26,000 U.S. veterans living with MS. He asked for a $15 million Defense appropriation for MS research through the Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). (Photo: Shawn O'Neail testifies on Capitol Hill on May 16. Photo credit: Chris Nammour)The testimony presented compelling statistics on MS, the increased incidence of MS among veterans (see April 13 post below), and the story of one veteran living with the disease. Paul Perrone is a 42-year-old father from New Hampshire. A retired U.S. Air Force Sergeant and veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Paul was diagnosed with MS in August 1998.
This Defense appropriation could open the door to a new source of federal funding for MS research, at a time when other sources are declining, and move us closer to a world free of MS. Click here to read the complete written testimony.
5 comments:
It is my sincere hope that the MS society will be funded to reseach why so many veterans are developing MS. As a veteran living with MS, I am happy to have been provided the chance to help in a small why. Everything happens for a reason. If my MS helps researchers move closer to a cause, beter treatment, cure, prevention, or all of these then I will have been blessed with a reason for my discomfort. Thank you!
Paul Perrone
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your service to our country, for courage in speaking about the Gulf War Syndrome, for your poignant book "Toy Soldier", for counsel to disabled vets, and for your willingness to join the NMSS in urging Congress to appropriate funds to study MS and combat duty.
You are a true MS Activist !
Michelle Dickson
Central New England Chapter, NMSS
GREAT WORK!!! Thanks so much!
first...THANK YOU for your service to our country Paul!
also.....yes, I agree everything happens for a reason and if you developing MS gets one step closer to a cure then we're moving in the right direction. Whatever the reason for you living with MS, it's never good enough or deserving but it's using what we have to make things better is the real goal. I have MS too and I grew up in NH, although I'm living in Ohio now, I love NH. My thoughts and prayers are with you Paul, keep up the good work!
Thanks...
Janet
Thank you Janet for your kind and sincere comments. I find it very rewarding that I have been able to join my efforts to assist my fellow veterans while at the same time helping to raise awareness for MS research. Too often in life we do not choose the road in which we travel but travel we must. Make the most of it!
I love NH too. Never been to Ohio but it you live there I'm sure it's a great place.
Paul Perrone
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