The Senate resolution introduced by various senators designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects motor neurons in the spinal cord. It outlines the progression of the disease, which begins with muscle weakness and can lead to significant difficulties in swallowing, speaking, and breathing, ultimately resulting in functional quadriplegia while leaving cognitive functions intact.
The resolution emphasizes the urgency of raising public awareness about ALS, given that approximately 5,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with patients typically surviving only two to five years post-diagnosis. It aims to acknowledge the profound impact of ALS on patients and their families, as well as to recognize ongoing research efforts aimed at finding a cure. By designating May 2025 as a month of awareness, the resolution seeks to foster greater understanding and support for those affected by this devastating disease.