Title
Proclamation on ALS Awareness Day 2018
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
ALS Awareness Day
May10, 2018
Whereas, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; and
Whereas, Approximately 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and more than 20,000 Americans may be living with ALS at any given time; and
Whereas, ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries; and
Whereas, Military veterans, particularly those who served in the Gulf War, are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS than people who haven’t served in the military; and
Whereas, Currently, there is no effective treatment or cure for ALS; and
Whereas, Ann Arbor Active Against ALS, a local nonprofit, has awarded over half a million dollars to local, national and international ALS researchers since its founding in 2008, while raising awareness, building community, engaging youth in giving back, and encouraging physical activity for community members of all ages; and
Whereas, May is designated in Michigan and many other states as ALS Awareness Month, a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS; and
Whereas, A minute of ALS research costs approximately $100; and
Whereas, There has been a significant amount of research in the last five to ten years, giving hope and progress in getting closer to discovering a way to slow it down and hopefully stop ALS;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2018 as ALS Awareness Day and recognize the importance of increasing public awareness of this disease and encouraging residents of all ages to be informed, involved, and active.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 10th day of May, 2018
_________________________
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor