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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 2025, AS “AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
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WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, gradually robbing individuals of their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; and
WHEREAS, Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and someone succumbs to the disease; and
WHEREAS, There is currently no known cure for ALS, and on average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years after diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Veterans are disproportionately affected by ALS, with those who have served in the military being at a significantly higher risk of developing the disease; and
WHEREAS, Access to cutting-edge therapies, medical equipment, and assistive communication technologies is critical for individuals living with ALS, enabling them to maintain dignity and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Clinical trials and research advancements are essential to discovering treatments that may slow the progression of ALS, improve patient outcomes, and, ultimately, lead to a cure; and
WHEREAS, We reaffirm our commitment to raising public awareness and advancing scientific research to combat ALS; and
WHEREAS, the ALS Association, as the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research worldwide, has committed over $154 million in more than 550 research projects across the United States and in 18 other countries; and
WHEREAS, ALS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public understanding, highlight the need for continued research, and support those affected by this devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna stands with individuals and families affected by ALS, recognizing the profound impact of this disease on patients, caregivers, and loved ones.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. The City of Gahanna hereby proclaims the month of May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month and encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts to find a cure.
Section 2. The City of Gahanna urges its residents to advocate for increased research funding, support ALS organizations, and stand in solidarity with those battling this disease.
Section 3. This resolution shall be in full effect from May 1 through May 31, 2025, in recognition of ALS Awareness Month.