ALS Awareness Month

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month is observed annually in May to raise awareness about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This progressive neurodegenerative condition affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of voluntary muscle control. The month focuses on educating the public, supporting patients and families, and promoting research for a cure.

Quick Facts

When is it? May
Tagged as: Health Awareness, Advocacy
What’s the hashtag? #ALSAwarenessMonth
When was it founded? 1992
Who founded it? U.S. Senate

History of ALS Awareness Month

ALS was first identified by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in 1869. It gained public attention in 1939 when baseball legend Lou Gehrig’s career ended due to the disease. In 1992, the U.S. Senate officially designated May as ALS Awareness Month to increase advocacy and support for research.

Timeline

1869: Jean-Martin Charcot identifies ALS.
1939: Lou Gehrig is diagnosed with ALS.
1985: The ALS Association is formed.
1992: May is declared ALS Awareness Month.
2008: A commemorative U.S. postage stamp is created for ALS awareness.

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 1–31	Thursday–Saturday
2026	May 1–31	Friday–Sunday
2027	May 1–31	Saturday–Monday
2028	May 1–31	Monday–Wednesday
2029	May 1–31	Tuesday–Thursday
2030	May 1–31	Wednesday–Friday

Observed

ALS Awareness Month is observed through fundraisers, advocacy events, educational seminars, and social media campaigns. Key initiatives include Walk to Defeat ALS® and the National ALS Advocacy Conference.

Fun Facts About ALS Awareness Month

Lou Gehrig’s Day is celebrated on June 2 in Major League Baseball.
The Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $115 million for ALS research in 2014.
Stephen Hawking lived with ALS for over five decades, defying average life expectancy.

Quiz

What does ALS stand for?
(Answer: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Who was Lou Gehrig?
(Answer: A baseball player whose career ended due to ALS)
When was ALS Awareness Month officially established?
(Answer: 1992)

FAQs

Q: Is there a cure for ALS?
A: No, there is currently no cure for ALS, but ongoing research aims to find effective treatments.

Q: How can I support ALS Awareness Month?
A: Participate in fundraising events, share information on social media using #ALSAwarenessMonth, or donate to organizations like the ALS Association.

Q: Who is most commonly affected by ALS?
A: Most people diagnosed are between ages 40 and 70, with an average age of diagnosis at 55.

Importance of ALS Awareness Month

ALS Awareness Month highlights the urgent need for research funding, promotes early diagnosis, and fosters community support for individuals living with this debilitating disease.