[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING ALS AWARENESS MONTH AND THE ALS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to 
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often known as Lou Gehrig's 
disease. ALS is a progressive disorder that occurs when motor nerve 
cells in the central nervous system cease functioning and die. Each 
year, over 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with this 
illness. There are 600 patients in Georgia alone. Sadly, there is no 
known cause, cure, or means of control in the advanced stages, ALS care 
can cost up to $200,000 per year, depleting the financial resources of 
patients and relatives.
  In Georgia, families impacted by ALS are blessed to have the support 
of The ALS Association of Georgia, which is a non-profit organization 
dedicated to the fight against ALS and the support of patients and 
their caregivers. Over 80% of all monies raised goes directly to 
patient services. Services offered include information and referrals, 
home nursing visits, support groups, coordination of medical care, 
equipment loan, children's counseling, respite care, public education 
and awareness, and research support. The suffering of patients and the 
anguish and struggle of caregivers must be supported and alleviated as 
much as possible.
  I commend The ALS Association of Georgia for all of their good work 
in serving patients with this devastating disease. During the month of 
May, which is ALS Awareness Month, I urge all citizens and my 
colleagues here in Congress to become educated about ALS and to lend 
their aid to combating this disease.

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