WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was first identified in 1869 and its cause, cure, and means of control are still unknown; and

WHEREAS, Recent years have generated new scientific understanding regarding the physiology of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Anyone can get ALS, which selectively destroys the motor neurons in the nervous system and, in its progression, the patient loses the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe, while the mind remains unaffected and alert; and

WHEREAS, ALS is usually diagnosed between 40 and 70 years of age; and

WHEREAS, American military veterans have a higher incidence of ALS than the general population; and

WHEREAS, ALS is responsible for nearly two deaths per every 100,000 people. Each year, over 5,300 people in the United States are newly diagnosed and can expect a life expectancy, on average, from two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month increases public awareness of ALS and acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has, not only on patients, but on patients’ families as well, and recognizes the need for ALS research and for quality treatment, care, and support of patients and families living with ALS; now, therefore, be it