Multiple Sclerosis, or generally just known as MS, is a chronic, unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It’s currently believed to be an immune-mediated disorder, which basically means the body attacks its own central nervous system.

This disease can have a profound impact on how a person is able to live their life. Not everyone with MS becomes severely disabled. It’s estimated that around 2.3 million people are affected worldwide.  Around two-thirds of MS patients remain able to walk, but will likely need an aid eventually, whether because of fatigue, weakness, and balance problems or to assist in conserving energy.

Luckily, there are treatments available that delay the progression of the disease. However, many individuals and families need guidance and assistance as they deal with what is a life-altering disorder. We need to support these citizens and do everything we can to make available new treatment options and help.

This year I filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 36, which was approved by the Senate on Thursday, April 3. The resolution establishes a Multiple Sclerosis Task Force, made up of members from both chambers, to identify and address the unmet needs of persons with MS in order to enhance the quality of life and provide them with greater access to various treatments and other therapeutic options.

The group will report its findings to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2015. I was grateful to see my colleagues in the Senate recognize the importance of supporting Missourians with MS. The bill now goes to the House for debate.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers on behalf of my wife, Retha, and myself. In January, shortly after session began, Retha was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the beginning, the prognosis was good. The tumor, although invasive cancer, was small and caught early in a routine mammogram. After the initial lumpectomy, what we thought was going to be a short detour became a journey of its own when the pathology report showed additional pre-cancerous cells, requiring two additional surgeries. With surgery behind us, we now prepare for the treatment phase of our journey.

We are unsure, as of right now, what treatments will be recommended, but the prognosis is very good and we expect a full recovery. Many families face similar challenges each year. We have been amazed at the number of friends, family and neighbors who have shared their experiences with us since Retha’s diagnosis.

It is estimated that 1,655,540 people will be diagnosed with new cancer cases in the United States in 2014 alone, and breast cancer is predicted to comprise 29 percent of those cases. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, along with the thousands of other families whose breast cancer journeys continue.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.