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The Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Connecticut and Rhode Island raise funds for critical MS research. Join the movement toward a world free of MS.

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Connecticut’s Chris Murphy Named National MS Society U.S. Senator of the Year

March 15, 2016

Senator Chris Murphy poses with a group of National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, representatives while attending the annual Public Policy Conference in Washington D.C.
HARTFORD, Conn. – Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2015 U.S. Senator of the Year. Senator Chris Murphy is the lead Democratic sponsor of the Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act (S. 849), which would establish a data collection system to track the incidence and prevalence of neurological diseases, including MS. This information would allow researchers to evaluate and understand factors such as geographic clusters, ethnic background and changes in gender ratio—filling current voids and helping move us closer to a world free of MS.

“We are proud to honor Chris Murphy as the U.S. Senator of the Year,” says National MS Society President and CEO Cynthia Zagieboylo. “His partnership with the Society to keep the needs of those affected by MS in the forefront of policy decisions is vital to our vision of a world free of MS.”

Senator Murphy has been an ardent supporter of increased investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest source of funding for MS research in the world with MS research projects that the National MS Society often co-finances. He also has supported access to and high quality standards of individually-configured wheelchairs, and seating and positioning systems, so that people with progressed MS can have their medical needs met and remain independent by co-sponsoring the Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act (S. 1013).

Senator Murphy has long fought for all Americans to have access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare and supported passage of the Affordable Care Act. He also helped ensure passage of a resolution recommending that federally funded facilities be required to provide equal access to people with disabilities.

“I've been a champion for health care reform because of people living with MS that have inspired us to build a more fair, just system. People with MS shouldn't have to fight their way through a broken health care system to get the treatments and services they need," said Senator Murphy. "I'm proud to work with the MS Society and am honored to be named Senator of the Year. I will continue to be a steadfast ally in this fight as long as I'm fortunate to serve."

Bestowing its highest honor for elected officials, the National MS Society will present Chris Murphy with the U.S. Senator of the Year award during its 25th annual Public Policy Conference, from March 14 to 16, 2016. The event brings close to 350 MS activists from across the country to D.C. to educate elected officials about the needs of people affected by MS.

About the Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The Connecticut Chapter strives to provide knowledge and assistance to help people with MS and their families maintain the highest possible quality of life. These goals are achieved through vital national and local programs.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide.

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