2025 -- H 6366

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LC002962

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING MAY 27, 2025, AS "ALS AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Felix, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi, J.
Lombardi, Hull, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, and Alzate

     Date Introduced: May 27, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease,

is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,

leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure; and

     WHEREAS, There is currently no known cure for ALS, and most individuals diagnosed

with the disease have a life expectancy of only two to five years after diagnosis; and

     WHEREAS, Each year, more than 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with

ALS, and at any given time, tens of thousands of individuals are living with the disease, facing

profound emotional, physical, and financial challenges; and

     WHEREAS, ALS United Rhode Island is the only nonprofit organization in the Ocean

State solely dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by ALS. Through care and

support services—including its multidisciplinary clinic and support groups—advocacy, and

investments in research and clinical trials, ALS United RI stands beside patients and caregivers

every step of the way; and

     WHEREAS, In the City of Pawtucket alone, five individuals are currently living with

ALS, and five more families have lost a loved one to ALS in the past year, underscoring the

impact of this disease in our local communities; and

     WHEREAS, ALS United RI is raising awareness and funding through its annual Soak

Challenge, a campaign that invites participants to get soaked in solidarity with those living with

ALS, while raising critical resources to support care and research; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes May 27, 2025, as “ALS Awareness Day” in the State of Rhode Island, and encourages

all Rhode Islanders to learn more about ALS, support those impacted, and join the effort to find a

cure; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby commends ALS United RI for its tireless

dedication to improving the lives of individuals living with ALS and their caregivers; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That this House, in the spirit of unity and advocacy, hereby issues a

challenge to all Rhode Islanders to join in the Soak Challenge event on June 1, 2025, or to record

their own Soak Challenge and donate in support of ALS United RI; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to ALS United Rhode Island.

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