Press Release: Congressman Carnahan Recognizes Efforts of Local MS Researchers

In conjunction with MS Awareness Week (March 10-16), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Gateway Area Chapter and Congressman Russ Carnahan, invited local researchers in the field of MS to receive a Congressional Proclamation in appreciation for their dedication and accomplishments ...

Those researchers recognized included:

• Dr. Barry Singer – neurologist and MS specialist with BJC Medical Group, who treats more than 500 patients with MS and runs clinical trials to test new therapies.
• Dr. Amy Rauchway – neurologist at St. Louis University actively involved in clinical research and trials.
• Dr. Barbara Green – Director of the West County MS Center at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center .
• Dr. Anne Cross – Director of the John L. Trotter MS Center at Washington University .
• Dr. Florian Thomas – Director of the MS Center at St. Louis University and the MS Center at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and fellow board member of the Chapter.
• Dr. Rob Naismith – neurologist with Washington University who does extensive MS research.
• Dr. Becky Parks – head of the MS Clinic at Washington University.
• Dr. Eric Klawiter – conduct research and clinical trials at the John L. Trotter MS Center.

This is an excerpt from a press release issued by the Office of Congressman Russ Carnahan. See photos of the event from the March 24 post below. Read more here.

Announcing the New Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus in the Senate

Senator Byron Dorgan (ND) and Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) have agreed to serve as the co-chairs of the new Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus in the U.S. Senate. We are confident that the leadership of these two prominent Senators will help raise awareness and provide education about MS on Capitol Hill.

Like the House MS Caucus, the Congressional MS Caucus in the Senate provides MS activists with champions in Congress. When we have an MS issue that needs attention (such as funding for MS research), we will look to the MS Caucus for their support. This bi-partisan body will serve as a forum for members of Congress, their staff, related organizations, and individuals to discuss critical healthcare, disability, research, and other issues affecting people living with MS and other conditions.

Once the Caucus is formerly announced in the Senate, you will be able to help recruit your Senators to join.

Need More Affordable Versions of Biologic Multiple Sclerosis Therapies? Share Your Story.

New videos comment on need for follow-on biologics and the creation of an FDA pathway to review and approve those therapies.

Click here to see a video from biotechnology company scientist who calls on Congress to act now. He asks for access to safe, affordable, follow-on biologics, or biogeneric medicines, to treat diseases like MS.

Click here to see a video from Under Secretary of Commerce Dr. Robert J. Shapiro, who identifies potential cost savings of approximately $378 billion over the next 20 years from making follow-on biologics available in the United States.

Tell your story about why Congress needs to act in the interest of patients, savings, and competition. To learn more about what's going on and what you can do, visit www.insmed.com.

Congressman Burgess Recognizes Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 2008

On March 11, Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX) recognized MS Awareness Week 2008 with a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressman currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional MS Caucus in the House.

Click here to watch the video of Rep. Burgess' 1-minute floor speech


Text of Congressman Burgess' floor speech
Mr. Speaker, this week, March 10-17, is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. The goal of this annual event is to raise awareness of this disease for those individuals and their families who are impacted by it.

Every hour in the United States, someone new is diagnosed with MS. It is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Many Americans know a person living with multiple sclerosis, a mother or father, a son or daughter, another family member or friend, or even a colleague.

For me, it was a member of my staff. This brave and strong woman inspired me to get more involved in the battle to live in a world free of multiple sclerosis. As a medical doctor prior to coming to Congress, I'm working here to find sensible solutions for the health care challenges that Americans face. As the co-chair of the newly formed Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus, I intend to bring the needs of those individuals into the larger discussion of quality health care.

Mr. Speaker, we must work together to improve access to quality health services, to break down barriers, and to make MS therapies more affordable. I ask other Members of the House to join me in this noble cause. We must always remember that behind every statistic is the face of a family member or friend. We have a shared responsibility to offer help and hope. There is no better time than now to begin offering it.

Congressman Russ Carnahan Participates in Chapter Luncheon

Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO) participated in a luncheon recently with the Society's Gateway Area Chapter in St. Louis. In this photo, he speaks with local doctors.

The Chapter and National Clinical Advisory Committee Chair Dr. Barbara Green received a Congressional Proclamation from Carnahan. Shown below.