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ALS Awareness Month

Let's join together to raise awareness for ALS during ALS Awareness Month! Let's spread the word and help find a cure today!

Saturday

1–31

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of May

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

ALS Awareness Month Timeline

ALS Is First Identified

French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot first identifies Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Lou Gehrig's diagnosis

New York Yankees baseball player Lou Gehrig is diagnosed with ALS - raising initial widespread awareness of the disease.

First Lou Gehrig's Day

Major League Baseball (MLB) establishes Lou Gehrig's Day, honoring the late player and bringing more awareness to the fight against ALS.

The ALS Association Inception

The ALS Association is established to raise funds for research and provide support for those affected by ALS.

Riluzole Approval

Riluzole, the first drug to treat ALS and potentially slow its progression, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes viral worldwide, raising over $115 million for ALS research and significantly boosting global awareness of the disease.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate ALS Awareness Month

Organize a fundraiser

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.

Share your story

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.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take some time to educate yourself about ALS. Visit websites and read books about the condition, so you can be better informed about it.

SUPPORT

Support a charity

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.

WEAR

Wear purple

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why ALS Awareness Month is Important

Encourage positive action towards finding a cure

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!

Raise awareness for ALS

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.

Increase support for families living with ALS

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.

Related holidays

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

An awareness observance in March raising public understanding of multiple sclerosis and supporting those living with the condition.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Join the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy this month and help raise awareness for those affected by this rare disease.

World Multiple Sclerosis Day

Join us in raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis on World MS Day - together we can make a difference!

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

Let's spread awareness and support for those living with Myasthenia Gravis this month - join the fight against this rare neuromuscular disease!

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