Gov. Haley declares Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in SC

Governor Nikki Haley declares May 2015 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in South Carolina. Governor Haley will host a reading of the proclamation on May 12 at 3pm in the first floor of the State House in Columbia. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Each year approximately over 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS. The symptoms of ALS progress from weakness of the skeletal muscles, especially those of the extremities, to difficulty in swallowing, talking, and breathing, and eventual muscle atrophy. There is currently no known cause or cure for the disease. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the leader in worldwide research for ALS and brings help and hope to the individuals and the families living with ALS. Since the early 1950’s MDA has dedicated more than $433 million to ALS research, services and information programs. Donations are being accepted at the local MDA office in recognition of ALS Awareness Month in South Carolina. All South Carolinians are encouraged to work together to raise awareness of this devastating disease, its terrible effect on all those it touches, and the need for continued research into its causes, prevention and cure.