Joe Wilson: “Every day in America 15 people are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, amounting to more than 5,600 people each year.…”

“Every day in America 15 people are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, amounting to more than 5,600 people each year. The average life expectancy for people with this disease is only 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS, is a fatal illness that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these nerve cells die, a person loses muscle control. People with advanced stages of the disease can be totally paralyzed, yet their minds remain sharp and alert. However, there is hope. Recent advances allow people with Lou Gehrig's disease to live longer lives. New breakthroughs have occurred, due in large part to the efforts of the ALS Association. The association provides the largest private source of funding for researching the cause, and ultimately, the cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. I commend the efforts of the Carolinas Chapter of the ALS Association and Executive Director Jerry Dawson for their commitment and dedication in caring for those with Lou Gehrig's disease in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Their efforts today will bring us closer to finding a cure tomorrow for Lou Gehrig's disease.”