Full Text of HR0304

HR0304 LRB104 13442 LAW 25836 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A greater awareness of fatal diseases that continue to plague our population is needed; and

WHEREAS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative condition in which a person's brain loses connection with the muscles due to the destruction of motor neurons; and

WHEREAS, The destruction of motor neurons that ALS causes leads to complete paralysis and, in most cases, death within five years of diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Though their minds are unaffected, people living with ALS lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; they are confined to a fate where, as their independence fades, they must rely entirely on caregivers to provide round-the-clock aid as the disease reaches its more advanced stages; and

WHEREAS, ALS currently has no known cure, and the exact causes are unknown; and

WHEREAS, Military veterans are disproportionately affected by ALS, and multiple studies show that they are more likely to develop and die from the disease than the general population; and

WHEREAS, Securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS; clinical trials also play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and

WHEREAS, To truly confront ALS, awareness must be raised, and policies should reflect the urgent needs of those living with this disease as increased advocacy and legislative support are critical to advancing research, easing the burden on families, and ultimately finding a cure; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing ALS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families, and support research to eradicate this disease; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month in the State of Illinois, and we call upon all Illinoisans to join in supporting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and advocating for increased funding and to stand in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our support for the ALS community as they seek to increase awareness, prioritize research funding, and secure additional caregiving support.