Miss Hoover Emma Terry declares May 2025 ALS Awareness Month in Hoover, Alabama

The Hoover City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, commenced with a heartfelt proclamation recognizing May as ALS Awareness Month. Miss Hoover, Emma Emmettieri, was invited to present the proclamation, which highlighted the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The proclamation detailed the nature of ALS as a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to total paralysis while cognitive functions often remain intact. It noted that over 30,000 Americans live with ALS at any given time, with approximately 5,000 new diagnoses each year, including a higher incidence among veterans. The proclamation emphasized the profound financial and emotional toll on families, with care costs often exceeding $250,000 annually.

Emma Emmettieri shared her personal connection to ALS, recounting her experiences caring for her grandfather, who passed away from the disease the previous year. She expressed the importance of raising awareness not only about the disease itself but also about its effects on patients and their families. Emmettieri underscored the significance of community support in advancing legislative and research efforts aimed at finding a cure.

The council, represented by Mayor Frank V. Bricato and City Council President John B. Bridal, officially declared May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month in Hoover, encouraging residents to support this critical cause. Emmettieri concluded her remarks by thanking the council for their support and announcing plans for activities throughout May to further promote awareness and community involvement in the fight against ALS.

The meeting proceeded with additional agenda items, but the proclamation and Emmettieri's personal testimony set a poignant tone for the evening, emphasizing the community's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by ALS.