[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 278 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
June 19, 2003.
Whereas Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (hereinafter in this resolution referred
to as ``ALS'') is a progressive neuromuscular disease characterized by a
degeneration of nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord leading to the
wasting of muscles, paralysis, and eventual death;
Whereas approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States are afflicted with
ALS, with approximately 5,000 new cases each year;
Whereas the life expectancy of an individual with ALS is three to five years
from the time of diagnosis;
Whereas there is no known cause or cure for ALS;
Whereas aggressive treatment of the symptoms of ALS can extend the lives of
individuals with the disease;
Whereas recent advances in ALS research have produced promising leads related to
shared disease processes that appear to operate in many
neurodegenerative diseases;
Whereas, on June 19, 1903, New York Yankee baseball legend Henry Louis (Lou)
Gehrig was born in New York City;
Whereas, on June 19, 2003, The ALS Association will help America celebrate what
would have been Lou's 100th birthday, honoring his magnificent baseball
career and his unwavering courage as he faced the deadly disease that
would carry his name; and
Whereas The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter will celebrate Lou Gehrig's
100th birthday at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2003, by honoring the life
and legacy of Lou Gehrig through a pre-game home plate ceremony, and
these activities will help bring greater awareness to the disease,
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the celebration of Lou Gehrig's 100th birthday and
commends the contributions he and his legacy have made in the search for
better treatments and a cure for ALS;
(2) acknowledges the struggle of the thousands of individuals
battling ALS everyday and their courage in facing this debilitating
disease;
(3) supports cutting-edge research to find a cure for ALS; and
(4) applauds the efforts of all organizations, including The ALS
Association, in their endeavors to raise awareness about the disease,
support research initiatives, and assist those suffering with ALS and
their families in the challenges of coping with this terrible
affliction.
Attest:
Clerk.