The ALS Association educates Iowans about the disease
DES MOINES, Iowa (May 2, 2016) – Gov. Terry Branstad signed a proclamation declaring May as ALS Awareness Month. This month, The ALS Association Iowa Chapter wants to educate Iowans about the disease and how they can help fight ALS.
“Most people have heard of ALS thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge, but many are still unaware of the daily struggles of those living with the disease,” said Josh Nuss, executive director of The ALS Association Iowa Chapter. “During ALS Awareness Month, we want to help Iowans understand more about the devastating disease we are fighting to treat and cure.”
What is ALS?
Each year, around 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and given just two to five years to live. A progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cause, cure or treatment, ALS destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As it progresses, those with the disease lose their ability to talk, walk, swallow and to breathe on their own. In most cases, the minds of those with ALS are unaffected, so they are able to understand and think like they were before their diagnosis.
While ALS generally affects people between ages 40 and 70, it can happen to anyone at any age and many younger Iowans are now facing a diagnosis. Nearly 90 percent of ALS cases are sporadic, affecting those with no family history of the disease. For an unknown reason, military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS.
“We witness every day how difficult this disease can be for Iowans and their friends and family members,” said Nuss. “Although there is not yet a cure or treatment that stops or reverses ALS, significant advances in ALS research during the past several years have made this the greatest time of hope in the fight against ALS.”
The Fight to Defeat ALS
The ALS Association Iowa Chapter has many programs and events that give Iowans the opportunity to get involved. Every year, the Iowa Chapter holds Walk to Defeat ALS events in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, the Quad Cities and Sioux City. The walks help raise funds for research to find a cure and to provide local programs and services to Iowans with ALS and their caregivers, such as the equipment loan closet, Quality of Life grants, home visits and ALS specific clinics.
In August, Iowans will have another opportunity to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Iowans’ support during the challenge over the past two years has significantly helped with the amount of care and services provided to fellow Iowans with ALS.
Join the fight to defeat ALS by participating in a local walk, taking the Ice Bucket Challenge, volunteering to help a person living with the disease or by simply telling a friend about ALS. Visit alsaiowa.org for more information.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. The ALS Association’s mission is leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
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