HR 1833: ALS Awareness Month; May 2026; recognize

House Resolution 1833

By: Representatives Park of the 107th, Williams of the 168th, Frye of the 122nd, Cannon of the 58th, and Draper of the 90th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease in which the brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; and

WHEREAS, ALS does not discriminate—it can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or background, and its impact extends beyond those diagnosed to their families, caregivers, and entire communities; and

WHEREAS, thousands of new ALS cases are reported in the United States every year, and estimates show that every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from the disease; and

WHEREAS, on average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years from the time of diagnosis, underscoring the urgency of research, treatment access, and compassionate support; and

WHEREAS, the exact causes of ALS remain unknown and there is currently no known cure, making sustained investment in research and clinical trials of critical importance; and

WHEREAS, people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those without a history of military service, reflecting a particular debt of gratitude owed to those veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and assistive communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS and directly affects their quality of life and dignity; and

WHEREAS, clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and

WHEREAS, the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally and has committed more than $154 million to support more than 550 research projects across the United States and 18 other countries, providing care services, equipment loans, advocacy, and research support to Georgians across the state; and

WHEREAS, constituents across Georgia, including Chris Kern of Lawrenceville, a former caregiver for a person with ALS, have bravely shared their personal experiences to advocate for greater public awareness and support for those living with and affected by this disease; and

WHEREAS, ALS Awareness Month provides a meaningful opportunity to increase public understanding of the devastating realities faced by those living with ALS, to honor the courage of patients and caregivers, to recognize healthcare providers who serve them, and to demonstrate Georgia's commitment to supporting those impacted by this disease.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.