A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE may 2024 AS "ALS Awareness MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) known by many as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, making even the simplest movements, including walking, speaking, gesturing, nearly impossible; and

Whereas, every ninety minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from the disease; and

Whereas, on average, patients diagnosed with ALS only survive two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and

Whereas, ALS has no cure; and

Whereas, people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those with no history of military service; and

Whereas, securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS; and

Whereas, clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and

Whereas, people across the country are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge through a renewed commitment to galvanize public awareness and support through funding leading to significant investments in ALS research; and

Whereas, the ALS association, as the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally, has committed over one hundred fifty million dollars to support more than five hundred fifty projects across the United States and eighteen other countries; and

Whereas, the commitment of the ALS Association to accelerating the pace of discovery remains unwavering, fueled by the hope that one day, ALS will become a livable disease for everyone, everywhere, until it can be cured; and

Whereas, ALS Awareness Month increases the public's awareness about the dire circumstances that people with ALS face; acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has on people, their families, and communities; and recognizes the research being done to eradicate this disease.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize May 2024 as "ALS Awareness Month" in South Carolina.

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