SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 555

WHEREAS, The observance of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in May of 2025 provides an opportunity to promote better understanding of ALS, often known as Lou Gehrig's disease; and

WHEREAS, ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, eventually causing muscle weakness and paralysis, and it garnered international attention when it ended the career of beloved baseball player Lou Gehrig; patients with ALS slowly lose the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and approximately 16 Americans are diagnosed each day; the causes of the disease are unknown, and military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those with no history of military service; and

WHEREAS, Life expectancy averages from two to five years from diagnosis, and currently there is no known cure for ALS; however, clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments and improving assistive technologies that enhance the quality of life of patients living with the disease; and

WHEREAS, The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally and has committed more than $160 million to support projects in the United States and 19 other countries; the work of the association is fueled by the hope that one day ALS will be a livable disease for all who are diagnosed and that they will be able to enjoy more time with their loved ones until a cure is found; and

WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month represents a fitting occasion to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, to acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families, and to reaffirm our commitment to support research to eradicate ALS; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize May of 2025 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to support ALS research and to stand in solidarity with those affected by this devastating disease; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this occasion.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate