#United States #Washington #ALS Awareness #I AM ALS #Day of Action

National Day of Action on May 22

May is widely recognized as ALS Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the realities of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This year, I AM ALS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for those affected by ALS, is spearheading a nationwide rally on May 22, termed the Day of Action. This event seeks to highlight the urgent need for awareness, funding, and support for ALS patients and their families.

Theme: "ALS is Here, But So Are We"

The theme for this year’s Day of Action is powerful and poignant: “ALS is here, but so are we.” This call to action aims to empower advocates, families, and allies to not only share their stories but also to take concrete steps to increase awareness and foster hope among those impacted by the disease. As the organization emphasizes, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those living with ALS and inspire community-wide participation.

How to Get Involved on May 22

I AM ALS has outlined several ways individuals can participate in the Day of Action:

• - Submit an Op-Ed: Use their customizable op-ed template to share your personal story related to ALS with local or regional media outlets, amplifying the message further.
• - Social Media Engagement: Change your profile picture to the campaign's image and share your own experiences with ALS on platforms like Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #ALSisHere and #SoAmI. Don't forget to tag @iamalsorg!
• - Share Your Story: Encourage friends and family to recount how ALS touches their lives. Focus on a specific and impactful aspect, fostering genuine discussion.
• - Educate Your Community: Use provided graphics and key facts about ALS to rise awareness within your circles.
• - Support the Cause: Donations can be made through iamals.org/give. Advocate for I AM ALS’ legislative goals aimed at securing funding for research and treatment.
• - Be Bold: Get creative with your actions! Whether through fun, attention-grabbing methods like dyeing your hair blue or organizing local film screenings, your efforts will help raise visibility.

Why It Matters

ALS is a progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily targets motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This condition results in muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death. Unfortunately, roughly 6,000 people in the United States receive an ALS diagnosis annually, and projections indicate that the worldwide prevalence of ALS may surge by nearly 70% by the year 2040.

Advocacy and awareness are vital components in the fight against ALS, as they can lead to increased government funding for research and better treatment options. As I AM ALS CEO Andrea Goodman noted, “On May 22, we're asking people everywhere to stand with us, speak out, and show up.” This Day of Action is not only about visibility but also about creating a sense of community among those affected by the disease.

About I AM ALS

I AM ALS has emerged as a leader in ALS advocacy, effectively galvanizing change and funding efforts that are unprecedented. Their mission involves three main areas:
1. Federal Policy Advocacy: Pushing for vital policy changes to foster research, support, and treatments for ALS.
2. Quality of Life Improvements: Enhancing life experiences through volunteer opportunities and support networks for individuals living with ALS and their caregivers.
3. Mobilization of Advocates: Empowering a community of advocates to increase awareness around ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, thereby elevating the visibility of the ALS experience.

In summary, as we approach May 22, let us unite in our support for ALS awareness. Together, we can honor those impacted by this devastating disease and rally for change. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.iamals.org.