House Resolution No. [insert number] proposes to designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Michigan. The resolution highlights the severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition that severely impacts a person's ability to perform basic functions such as walking, talking, and breathing. It notes the alarming statistics surrounding ALS, including the fact that someone is diagnosed and someone dies from the disease every 90 minutes, with an average survival time of only two to five years post-diagnosis. The resolution also emphasizes the increased risk of ALS among military veterans and the critical need for access to new therapies and assistive technologies for those affected.

The resolution calls for a collective effort from Michiganders to support individuals diagnosed with ALS, their caregivers, and ongoing research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which significantly raised awareness and funding for ALS research, and acknowledges the contributions of the ALS Association, which has invested over $154 million in research projects globally. By declaring May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, the resolution aims to enhance public understanding of the challenges faced by those living with ALS and to advocate for increased funding and support for research efforts to combat this devastating disease.