Statewide Iowa — May is ALS Awareness Month. This month, The ALS Association Iowa Chapter wants to educate Iowans about the disease and how they can help fight ALS.
Josh Nuss, executive director of The ALS Association Iowa Chapter says that most people have heard of ALS thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge, but many are still unaware of the daily struggles of those living with the disease. He says that during ALS Awareness Month, they want to help Iowans understand more about the devastating disease we are fighting to treat and cure.
Each year, around 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
He says while ALS generally affects people between ages 40 and 70, it can happen to anyone at any age and many younger Iowans are now facing a diagnosis.
Nuss says the Ice Bucket Challenge was a big boost to awareness and funding for ALS research.
He says the Ice Bucket Challenge will be back in August. Iowans’ support during the challenge over the past two years has significantly helped with the amount of care and services provided to fellow Iowans with ALS, according to Nuss.
He says you can join the fight to defeat ALS by participating in a local walk, taking the Ice Bucket Challenge, volunteering to help a person living with the disease or by simply telling a friend about ALS. Visit alsaiowa.org for more information.
