Bill > HR5380

This Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month" in Missouri, aiming to increase public understanding of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a fatal neurodegenerative condition that progressively weakens muscles and impairs essential bodily functions like walking, talking, eating, and breathing. The resolution highlights the significant impact of ALS, noting that thousands are diagnosed and die from it annually, with an average survival of only two to five years post-diagnosis, and that its causes and cure remain unknown, with military veterans being at higher risk. It emphasizes the critical need for access to therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies for those living with ALS, acknowledging the vital role of clinical trials and the efforts of organizations like The ALS Association in funding research and striving to make ALS a livable disease and ultimately cure it. By proclaiming this awareness month, Missouri's House of Representatives encourages support for ALS research, advocacy for increased funding, improved access to assistive technologies, and solidarity with individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.