[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 278 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         June 19, 2003.
Whereas Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (hereinafter in this resolution referred 
        to as ``ALS'') is a progressive neuromuscular disease characterized by a 
        degeneration of nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord leading to the 
        wasting of muscles, paralysis, and eventual death;
Whereas approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States are afflicted with 
        ALS, with approximately 5,000 new cases each year;
Whereas the life expectancy of an individual with ALS is three to five years 
        from the time of diagnosis;
Whereas there is no known cause or cure for ALS;
Whereas aggressive treatment of the symptoms of ALS can extend the lives of 
        individuals with the disease;
Whereas recent advances in ALS research have produced promising leads related to 
        shared disease processes that appear to operate in many 
        neurodegenerative diseases;
Whereas, on June 19, 1903, New York Yankee baseball legend Henry Louis (Lou) 
        Gehrig was born in New York City;
Whereas, on June 19, 2003, The ALS Association will help America celebrate what 
        would have been Lou's 100th birthday, honoring his magnificent baseball 
        career and his unwavering courage as he faced the deadly disease that 
        would carry his name; and
Whereas The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter will celebrate Lou Gehrig's 
        100th birthday at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2003, by honoring the life 
        and legacy of Lou Gehrig through a pre-game home plate ceremony, and 
        these activities will help bring greater awareness to the disease, 
        Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the celebration of Lou Gehrig's 100th birthday and 
        commends the contributions he and his legacy have made in the search for 
        better treatments and a cure for ALS;
            (2) acknowledges the struggle of the thousands of individuals 
        battling ALS everyday and their courage in facing this debilitating 
        disease;
            (3) supports cutting-edge research to find a cure for ALS; and
            (4) applauds the efforts of all organizations, including The ALS 
        Association, in their endeavors to raise awareness about the disease, 
        support research initiatives, and assist those suffering with ALS and 
        their families in the challenges of coping with this terrible 
        affliction.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.