Carbon County is again shining a light on multiple sclerosis in the hopes of encouraging people to learn about an illness that affects 2.3 million people.

On Thursday, the county commissioners adopted a proclamation naming March 10 through 16 as 2019 MS Awareness Week in the county.

Regina Lisella of Summit Hill, who was diagnosed with MS in 2008 at the age of 53 and has been an advocate with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Pennsylvania, was present to accept the proclamation.

Commissioner William O’Gurek, who graduated with Lisella from Marian High School and has been a longtime friend, thanked Lisella for being a fighter for those who have been diagnosed.

“Gina, if it was my wish, like the proclamation says to make multiple sclerosis go away, it would be for you and for everyone else afflicted by multiple sclerosis,” O’Gurek said.

“There are so many people affected by this illness who are struggling and feel the need to have to hope and positive factors in their lives and the very intent of this proclamation is to call attention to that and encourage people to give hope to the Gina Lisellas of the world so they can continue to fight the fight they have been dealing with in their daily lives knowing that people care and people are concerned.”

Lisella thanked the board for naming the week again this year and hopes that it will raise awareness.

Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard also thanked Lisella for all she has done to advocate for those affected by MS.

“You certainly are a role model,” he said.

MS is an unpredictable, often disabling neurological disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age.

In MS patients, damage to the myelin in the central nervous system — and to the nerve fibers themselves — interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body.

Symptoms of those with MS vary from person to person but common symptoms found in people who have been diagnosed include: fatigue, numbness or tingling, weakness, dizziness or vertigo, sexual problems, pain, emotional changes, walking difficulties, stiffness or involuntary muscle spasms, vision problems, bladder and bowel problems, cognitive changes and depression.