House Resolution Declares May 2025 ALS Awareness Month to Highlight Disease Impact

The Minnesota Legislature has officially designated May 2025 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month, a significant step in raising awareness about this devastating disease. The resolution, presented during the House Floor Session, highlights the urgent need for public recognition and support for those affected by ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that gradually impairs a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. Each year, thousands of new cases are diagnosed, with someone receiving this life-altering diagnosis every 90 minutes. Tragically, patients typically survive only two to five years post-diagnosis, underscoring the critical need for increased awareness and research funding.

The resolution emphasizes the alarming statistic that military veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS compared to the general population. It calls for improved access to therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies essential for enhancing the quality of life for those living with the disease. Clinical trials are also highlighted as vital for evaluating new treatments and fostering assistive technologies.

The ALS Association, a key player in ALS research funding, has committed over $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and beyond. Their mission is to accelerate research efforts with the hope that one day ALS will be manageable for all affected individuals.

By declaring May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month, the Minnesota Legislature aims to increase public understanding of the challenges faced by those living with ALS and to galvanize support for ongoing research efforts. This initiative not only honors the individuals and families impacted by the disease but also serves as a rallying point for advocacy and funding to ultimately eradicate ALS.