At any given time, an estimated one thousand Pennsylvanians are living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Those with ALS suffer progressive degeneration of their nervous system. The loss of voluntary muscle control eventually results in paralysis and death, often within just two-to-five years of diagnosis.

ALS is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world, affecting as many as one in every 400 people. Even though we have made tremendous progress in funding ALS research over the past decade, there’s still so much more to be done. While some treatments have proven effective at managing symptoms, none have successfully stopped the disease’s progressive neurodegeneration.
 
To shine light on the needs of those with ALS, we will be introducing a resolution to designate May 2026 as “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Please join us in recognizing the strength of those living with ALS and the need for continued research into treatments for this condition.