BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA

A PROCLAMATION ALS AWARENESS DAY

WHEREAS: WHEREAS:
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: THEREFORE:

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
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
ALS is responsible for nearly two deaths per 100,000 population. Each year, over 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed with this illness for which there is no known cure. The life expectancy for those diagnosed is between two and five years; and
Organizations like the Georgia Chapter of the ALS Association work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals living with the disease, and to find a cure. They are helping to lead the search for treatments and a cure for ALS through aggressive research and clinical programs ; and
ALS Awareness Day 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
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim January 26 , 2016, as ALS AWARENESS DAY in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this Sth day of January in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen.

GOVERNOR
ATTEST
CL;
CHIEF OF STAFF