Governor Stein Proclaims Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually taking away a person's ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe; and 

Whereas, approximately 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS each year, and the disease affects people of all races, ages, genders, and backgrounds, with no known cause, prevention, or cure; and 

Whereas, people who have served in the military are about twice as likely to develop ALS and die from the disease compared to those with no history of military service; and 

Whereas, many North Carolinians living with ALS and their families rely on specialized care, equipment, and ongoing support yet often struggle to access these services because of cost, limited insurance coverage, distance, or availability; and 

Whereas, continued public awareness and community engagement help support individuals and families affected by ALS, expand access to resources, and encourage research aimed at ending this disease; and 

Whereas, ALS Awareness Month helps the public better understand the serious impact of ALS on individuals, families, and communities while recognizing ongoing efforts to find effective treatments and a cure;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.