The South Carolina Senate has introduced a resolution to officially recognize May 2025 as "ALS Awareness Month" in the state. This resolution highlights the severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that significantly impairs a person's ability to perform basic functions such as walking, talking, and breathing. The resolution notes the alarming statistics surrounding ALS, including the frequency of new diagnoses and the average survival time post-diagnosis, as well as the increased risk of developing ALS among military veterans.
Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the importance of access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for individuals living with ALS. It acknowledges the critical role of clinical trials in advancing treatment options and improving quality of life for patients. The resolution also expresses support for the ALS Association, which is a major funder of ALS research, and calls for increased public awareness and advocacy for research funding to combat this devastating disease.