Posted: | February 4, 2020 10:15 AM |
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From: | Representative Bryan Cutler |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | May 2020 as ALS Awareness Month in Pennsylvania |
In the near future I intend to introduce a resolution recognizing May 2020 as ALS Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease. •It attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately resulting in a loss of voluntary muscle control, paralysis and death. •The average life expectancy for people with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis. •Every day, an average of 15 people are diagnosed with ALS-more than 5,600 people each year. As many as 30,000 Americans are currently living with ALS. •Moreover, only one drug, approved by the FDA in late 1995, currently is available to treat ALS, but provides limited benefits. •Military veterans are at a 50% or greater risk of developing ALS than those who have no served in the military. •There is no known cause of the disease, cure or means of prevention. I hope that you will join me in bringing recognition to this devastating disease by co-sponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as HR738