House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis
Rep. Robert F. Matzie March 18, 2025 | 3:15 PM
HARRISBURG, March 18 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.
Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced H.R. 31 – designating March 9-15, 2025, as “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania – to shed greater light on this central nervous system disease that affects nearly 1 million Americans.
“This issue is personal to me because my father lived with MS,” Matzie said. “Early diagnosis is critical, even though we don’t yet have a cure, because timely treatment can delay the progression of the disease and improve long-term outcomes.”
Matzie said MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that coats and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system, leaving inflammation and scarring that disrupts the transmission of nerve signals.
Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include abnormal fatigue and weakness, vision problems, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, bladder and bowel problems, difficulty walking and cognitive and mood changes.
Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, although the disease can occur in young children and older adults. Women are about three times more likely than men to develop MS.
Matzie said that as with any health issue, vigilance is the best course.
“Advances in stem cell therapy and other drug treatments are proving promising and bringing us closer to defeating this disabling disease, but until that time, the best thing folks can do is make sure they don’t ignore the symptoms.”