Monday, June 16, 2008

Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO) Recognizes 100-Member Congressional MS Caucus

Congressman Carnahan Press Release

Congressman Russ Carnahan one of the founding members of the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Caucus, is pleased to announce that more than a hundred members have signed onto the group since its inception last year.

"It was a privilege to establish the MS Congressional Caucus along with my colleague Dr. Michael Burgess of Texas. I’m pleased to announce the Caucus now has surpassed 100 Members of Congress," said Carnahan.

"A member of my staff inspired me to get more involved with fighting MS, and I am encouraged to see other Members of Congress are making it a priority as well," said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.

Last year, the Defense Appropriations bill made MS eligible for research dollars under the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Programs for the first time ever. While this was an important step, Congressman Carnahan and his colleagues believe that a specific program for MS research should be designated under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).Congressman Carnahan led the effort to request $15 million for MS research at the CDMRP again this year.

A multi-Member letter of support was submitted to the Appropriations Committee with 63 signatories earlier this year.Carnahan became familiar with MS after a family member was inflicted with the disease and was encouraged to become more involved in combating the disease by the active Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society. Read more.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Malignant mesothelioma affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities, called the serous cavities, house certain major organs in the body including the heart, lungs, abdomen and others. The membranes that surround these cavities are called the serous membranes. They serve to protect these major organs from the friction and abrasion that occur as the organs move against each other during typical daily functioning, such as breathing and heart beating. The serous membranes derive from specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called mesothelioma.


Mesothelioma is a rare & uncommon type of cancer which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In mesothelioma, malignant type cells form and develop within the mesothelium. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most common in the pleura which is the outer lining of the lungs, but it can also arise in the peritoneum or the pericardium which protects the heart.