83R17841 BK-D
By: Zerwas H.C.R. No. 98
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, better known
as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal debilitating disease
characterized by the degeneration of motor nerve cells in the brain
and spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, The initial symptom of ALS is often weakness of the
skeletal muscles, especially those of the extremities; as ALS
progresses and muscle atrophy worsens, the patient experiences
difficulty swallowing, talking, and breathing; because ALS does not
commonly affect mental capacity, sufferers remain alert and aware
of their loss of motor control and the inevitable outcome of
continued deterioration; and
WHEREAS, ALS affects roughly 30,000 Americans, with slightly
more than 5,600 diagnosed each year; there is no known cause, means
of prevention, or cure, and on average, patients only survive two to
five years from the time of diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Studies have indicated that military veterans are
approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as those who have not
served; in light of this finding, the Department of Veterans
Affairs implemented a presumption of service connection for ALS,
thereby concluding that the development of the disease could be
incurred or aggravated by a person's service in the military; and
WHEREAS, Through a number of initiatives, researchers are
investigating possible causes and treatments for ALS, and one
related endeavor is a national patient registry; administered by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the registry is
currently identifying cases in the United States and may become the
single largest ALS research project ever undertaken; and
WHEREAS, During May 2013, health and advocacy organizations
nationwide are observing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness
Month with a variety of activities to raise awareness of the
profound impact that ALS has on patients, their families, and their
communities and to recognize and support the important research
being conducted to end this devastating disease; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate May 2013 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Awareness Month in Texas.