Whereas, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known by many as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; and
Whereas, Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS; and
Whereas, On average, patients diagnosed with ALS only survive two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and
Whereas, ALS has no cure; and
Whereas, People who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those with no history of military service; and
Whereas, Securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS; and
Whereas, Clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and
Whereas, We celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge through a renewed commitment to galvanize public awareness and support funding leading to significant investments in ALS research; and
Whereas, The ALS Association, as the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally, has committed over $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries; and
Whereas, Our commitment to accelerating the pace of discovery remains unwavering, fueled by the hope that one day, ALS will be a livable disease for everyone, everywhere, until we can cure it; and
Whereas, ALS Awareness Month increases the public’s awareness of people with ALS’ dire circumstances, and acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has, not only on the person but on his or her family and the community, and recognizes the research being done to eradicate this disease; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We call upon all Americans to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Adopted in the House by voice vote