Durbin, Coons, Braun Introduce Resolution To Designate May As ALS Awareness Month
WASHINGTON – U.S Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate ALS Caucus, today joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Mike Braun (R-IN) to introduce a resolution to designate May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and often known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a debilitating disease that affects 1 in 300 people – approximately 30,000 Americans. There is no cure for this fatal disease currently.
“ALS is a devastating diagnosis—one that is, currently, fatal and has no cure. But through the advocacy of organizations like I AM ALS, led by Illinoisans Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, and robust medical research funding, we hope to develop new treatment options for those with the disease,” said Durbin. “In introducing this resolution to mark May as ALS Awareness Month, we can continue our vital work to bring attention to ALS, build better support systems for those fighting ALS, and funnel resources to the scientists and medical professionals looking for a cure.”
Durbin has long been a proud advocate for ALS patients and their families. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill, Durbin secured $75 million to expand access to clinical trials for ALS patients.
In addition to Durbin, Coons, and Braun, this resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
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