[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 70 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING MAY AS ALS AWARENESS MONTH

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                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2014

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it's estimated that each year 5,600 
Americans are diagnosed with ALS--or Lou Gehrig's Disease. A disease 
that occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or 
socioeconomic boundaries.
  For one young man in my district in Pennsylvania, those stats hit 
close to home when a close family friend received the diagnosis.
  Nine-year-old Jared Laff wasn't satisfied with just sitting by, 
though. He set out to earn his Junior Black Belt in karate--dedicating 
months of hard work and training to his friend Ron. Through his 
perseverance, Jared was awarded his belt in March as well as raising 
$2,200 for the fight against ALS.
  Jared's commitment and compassion are an example to all who want to 
make a difference.
  May is ALS Awareness Month, but thanks to people like Jared the goal 
of drawing attention--and funding--to the fight against ALS is a year-
round effort.

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