The resolution recognizes May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month in Alabama, highlighting the severe impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition that leads to the loss of muscle control, affecting an individual's ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. The resolution notes that someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 minutes, and the average survival time post-diagnosis is only two to five years, with no known cure. It emphasizes the increased risk of ALS among military veterans and the importance of access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for those living with the disease.
Additionally, the resolution celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which significantly raised public awareness and funding for ALS research, with the ALS Association committing over $154 million to support numerous research projects globally. It calls for a renewed commitment to funding and research efforts aimed at making ALS a livable disease and ultimately finding a cure. The resolution encourages all Alabamians to support ALS research, advocate for increased funding, and stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.