BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION 
 
ALS AWARENESS MONTH 
 
WHEREAS : 
 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disorder of motor neurons, causing the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the action of voluntary muscles; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
The initial symptoms of ALS include muscle weakness, atrophy, cramping, twitching, stiffness, and spasticity, which results in problems with mobility as well as speaking, swallowing, and breathing. In addition to physical symptoms, the advanced stages of ALS can be financially crippling, depleting the resources of patients and families; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Each year, over 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed with this illness for which there is no known cure. Currently, ALS affects an estimated 35,000 Americans. The life expectancy for those diagnosed is between two and five years; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Many individuals and organizations throughout Georgia and the United States are leading the search for treatments and a cure for ALS through aggressive research and clinical programs; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
ALS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to recognize the critical research underway to eradicate this disease and to increase public awareness about the devastating impact it has on patients, families, and friends; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as ALS AWARENESS MONTH in Georgia and urge all citizens to become educated about ALS and to help combat this disease. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 29th day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen. 
 
ATTEST 
 
GOVERNOR