What is it that makes people feel the need to tell you about so-and-so who has MS and is in terrible shape? Or has died?

It's almost like they feel they have to "one-up" you with their story. I haven't noticed this with other diseases. If someone tells me they have diabetes I don't immediately launch into a story about my uncle who lost both his legs to it. Or the person who tells me they have arthritis.....I don't mention my Grandmother who could barely use her hands the last years of her life. WHY would I do that??? WHY do they do it??? Are they trying to make us feel better? It's not working! I have one comment for these poor souls..........."Here's Your Sign".