HR1833: HR1833 ALS Awareness Month; May 2026; recognize

26 LC 112 4025 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.1 WHEREAS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS o r Lou Gehrig's2 disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease in which the brain loses connection3 with the muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe;4 and5 WHEREAS, ALS does not discriminate—it can affect anyone, regard less of age, race, or6 background, and its impact extends beyond those diagnosed to their families, caregivers, and7 entire communities; and8 WHEREAS, thousands of new ALS cases are reported in the United States every year, and9 estimates show that every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes10 away from the disease; and11 WHEREAS, on average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years from12 the time of diagnosis, underscoring the urgency of research, tr eatment access, and13 compassionate support; and14 H. R. 1833 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4025 WHEREAS, the exact causes of ALS remain unknown and there is currently no known cure,15 making sustained investment in research and clinical trials of critical importance; and16 WHEREAS, people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die17 from the disease than those without a history of military service, reflecting a particular debt18 of gratitude owed to those veterans and their families; and19 WHEREAS, securing access to new therapies, durable medical equi pment, and assistive20 communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS and directly21 affects their quality of life and dignity; and22 WHEREAS, clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality23 of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and24 WHEREAS, the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funde r of ALS research25 globally and has committed more than $154 million to support mo re than 550 research26 projects across the United States and 18 other countries, providing care services, equipment27 loans, advocacy, and research support to Georgians across the state; and28 WHEREAS, constituents across Georgia, including Chris Kern of Lawrenceville, a former29 caregiver for a person with ALS, have bravely shared their personal experiences to advocate30 for greater public awareness and support for those living with and affected by this disease;31 and32 WHEREAS, ALS Awareness Month provides a meaningful opportunity to increase public33 understanding of the devastating realities faced by those livin g with ALS, to honor the34 H. R. 1833 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4025 courage of patients and caregivers, to recognize healthcare providers who serve them, and35 to demonstrate Georgia's commitment to supporting those impacted by this disease.36 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that37 the members of this body recognize May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the40 public and the press.41 H. R. 1833 - 3 -