The Senate Resolution, introduced by Senators Myers and Allain, designates the month of May as ALS Awareness Month in Louisiana. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition that severely impacts a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. With a diagnosis occurring every ninety minutes and no known cure, the average survival time post-diagnosis is only two to five years. The resolution highlights the increased risk of ALS among military veterans and emphasizes the importance of access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for those affected by the disease.
The resolution also acknowledges the significant contributions of the ALS Association, which has funded over $154 million for ALS research and projects globally. By designating May as ALS Awareness Month, the Senate aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with ALS and their families, while also recognizing ongoing research efforts to combat the disease. The resolution encourages all Louisianians to support ALS research, advocate for increased funding, and stand in solidarity with those impacted by ALS.