| R 328 |
| 2025 -- H 6366 Enacted 05/27/2025 |
| 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 |
| 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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| LC002962 |
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