H.R. No. 1488
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The observance of ALS Awareness Month in May
  provides a fitting opportunity to promote better understanding of
  amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often known as Lou Gehrig's disease;
  and
         WHEREAS, A neurodegenerative condition, ALS was first
  identified by a French scientist in 1869, and the disease garnered
  international attention 70 years later, when it ended the career of
  beloved baseball player Lou Gehrig; ALS affects nerve cells in the
  brain and spinal cord, causing the progressive degeneration of the
  motor neurons that reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from
  the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body; patients with
  ALS may lose the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe; and
         WHEREAS, To receive a diagnosis, patients must typically
  undergo numerous tests and procedures, such as electromyography
  testing, blood and urine studies, spinal taps, x-rays, biopsies,
  and neurological examinations; approximately 5,600 people in the
  United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and some 15
  Americans are diagnosed each day; moreover, for unknown reasons,
  military veterans are significantly more likely to be diagnosed
  with the disease than the general public; and
         WHEREAS, Although life expectancy averages about two to five
  years from diagnosis, the disease is variable, and some people
  survive longer while retaining quality of life; according to the
  ALS Association, approximately 20 percent of individuals with ALS
  live five years or more, and about five percent live 20 years or
  longer; there is currently no cure for ALS, but a number of
  medications and treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms
  and prolong survival; and
         WHEREAS, Individuals with ALS benefit immeasurably from the
  support of their families, friends, health care providers, and
  caregivers, as well as from the dedicated efforts of service
  groups, volunteers, and researchers across Texas who are working to
  improve outcomes and develop new treatments for ALS; and
         WHEREAS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a serious and
  life-threatening disease, and the observance of ALS Awareness Month
  unites people around the world in their commitment to support the
  search for a cure and to enhance quality of life for patients; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize May 2023 as ALS Awareness Month and
  urge all Texans to learn more about the disease.
 
  Jetton
  Lalani
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 1488 was adopted by the House on May
  17, 2023, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House