WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that disrupts the brain’s connection to the muscles, reducing a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and ultimately breathe; and 

WHEREAS, thousands of new Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases are reported every year, and it is estimated that every 90 minutes another individual is diagnosed with ALS, and someone passes away from ALS; and 

WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has no known cause and, at present, no cure; individuals diagnosed with ALS survive an average of three to five years following diagnosis; and U.S. military veterans face an increased risk of developing and dying from the disease compared with those with no history of military service; and 

WHEREAS, increasing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies are vital for individuals living with ALS, and clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and advancing assistive technologies; and 

WHEREAS, the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally and has committed more than $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries; and 

WHEREAS, the ALS Association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone, everywhere through its philanthropic efforts and support of projects supporting ALS research; and 

WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the urgent needs of individuals living with ALS, recognize its impact on patients and families, and support research toward a cure; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as ALS AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.