Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States at any given time, with 5,000 new cases each year. The disease progressively disconnects the brain from the muscles, leading to loss of mobility, speech, eating ability, and eventually breathing. On average, individuals diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years post-diagnosis. There is no cure for ALS, and it can affect anyone, regardless of demographic factors. Access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies is crucial for those living with ALS, as are clinical trials for developing treatments and assistive technologies. Military veterans are about twice as likely to develop and die from ALS, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes it as a service-connected disease.

The Rhode Island Senate has resolved to proclaim May of 2024 as "ALS Awareness Month" in the state to raise public awareness, show support for those affected, and acknowledge the efforts of those seeking a cure. The ALS Association has invested over $154 million in research funding globally, and the Senate encourages all citizens to educate themselves about ALS and support efforts to combat the disease. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Chapter of the ALS Foundation.