Each May, the world comes together to recognize and raise awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month. This year, it kicks off on May 1st and provides an important platform for people all over the world to learn more about this disease and how we can help those affected by it. ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It has no known cure, but there are treatments available that can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for those with ALS. Join us in advocating for better care and support for those with ALS during this month-long celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1869</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ALS Is First Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot first identifies Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lou Gehrig's diagnosis</div><div class='timeline-text'>New York Yankees baseball player Lou Gehrig is diagnosed with ALS - raising initial widespread awareness of the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Lou Gehrig's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major League Baseball (MLB) establishes Lou Gehrig's Day, honoring the late player and bringing more awareness to the fight against ALS.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The ALS Association Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ALS Association is established to raise funds for research and provide support for those affected by ALS.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Riluzole Approval</div><div class='timeline-text'>Riluzole, the first drug to treat ALS and potentially slow its progression, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ice Bucket Challenge</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes viral worldwide, raising over $115 million for ALS research and significantly boosting global awareness of the disease.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organizing a fundraiser is a great way to raise awareness and money for ALS Awareness Month. You can host an event like a bake sale, walkathon, or silent auction to help raise funds.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share your story to raise awareness about ALS. People can learn about what it is like to live with this condition and how it impacts people's lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about ALS. Visit websites and read books about the condition, so you can be better informed about it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to an organization that is dedicated to helping those with ALS or researching the condition. Your donation will help fund research and provide support to those who need it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Wearing purple is the official color of ALS Awareness Month. Wear purple clothing, accessories, and decorations to show your support for those living with ALS.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raise awareness for ALS</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>ALS Awareness Month is a great opportunity to spread the word about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and help raise awareness of this debilitating disease. By educating people on what ALS is and how it affects those struggling with it, we can work together to find better treatments and potentially discover a cure.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Increase support for families living with ALS</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased awareness, more people are likely to become involved in fundraisers and donate money toward researching treatments for ALS. This additional financial assistance can make life easier for those affected by the disease, including their family and friends who provide them with care and emotional support throughout their journey.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourage positive action towards finding a cure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness of ALS during this special month, we can motivate researchers and medical professionals to work together in order to find effective treatments or even an ultimate cure. A focused effort that brings everyone closer together will greatly improve our chances of success - something every person living with ALS deserves!</p></div></div>
ALS Awareness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, ALS Awareness Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday