Substitute for House Resolution No. 73.

            A resolution to declare May 2015 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control in the body; and

            Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is caused by motor neuron degeneration of the brain and spinal cord; and

            Whereas, The symptoms of this rapidly advancing disease can include difficulty, and possibly the inability, to walk, speak, eat and even breathe; and

            Whereas, Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis every year; and

            Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis occurs in two per 100,000 people; and

            Whereas, Life expectancy of those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis averages between two to five years from the date of diagnosis; and

            Whereas, There is currently no cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2015 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We urge increased public awareness of this progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control in the body.