ALS Awareness Month: Join the Fight Against ALS

May is ALS Awareness Month 2026. Throughout the entire month, we raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and honor the courage of individuals fighting it. ALS is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Although May is coming to an end, the battle against ALS does not close here. Let us carry the momentum of ALS month forward. 

What is ALS Month?

ALS month puts special focus on:

• Fundraising – Supporting organizations that fund ALS treatments and cure.   
• Educating people about ALS – Sharing knowledge about this debilitating disease and how it affects people and their families. 
• Acknowledge the courage and strength of those affected – Acknowledging the strength of individuals living with ALS and remembering those who have lost their battles. 

What is ALS Called Now?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is earlier called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a neurological disorder affecting motor neurons that control breathing and muscle movement.

Why is the ALS Awareness Month Important?

ALS awareness month holds importance due to the following reasons:

Supporting the ALS Community

ALS month brings the ALS community together by providing them with motivation and validation. 

Improve ALS Research

Although ALS remains incurable, ongoing research efforts translate to improving the treatment. 

Spread Knowledge About the Disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis month shines a light on ALS. It spreads knowledge to the public about the symptoms and challenges faced by individuals living with it. 

Wear Your Support: ALS Awareness Shirts and Bracelets

Raise awareness and support research by wearing an ALS awareness shirt or bracelet. 

Rock a Tee for a Cause

ALS shirts are now available in a wide variety of shades, styles, and designs. 

You will find them with:

• Robust messages: “ALS Warrior,” “Hope for a Cure” or “Never Give Up.”
• Appealing graphics: Butterflies or inspirational quotes. 
• Blue ribbon: It’s the global symbol for ALS. 

Bracelets with Meaning

ALS awareness bracelets are now available in:

• Beaded or woven designs: These come in a wide assortment of shades and are usually handmade. 
• Silicon bands: Inexpensive and a quick conversation starter. 
• Metal bracelets: A permanent choice that creates a long-lasting impact.

How to Get Involved?

There are numerous ways to take part in ALS Awareness Month. These include:

• Join the talk: Share stories, facts, and other essential information about ALS on your social network channels using  #ALSawareness. 
• Rock with the official ALS awareness colour: Wear the official ALS awareness color to spark conversations. 
• Donate to the needy organizations: Every contribution helps. So, you can donate your funds to organizations such as the ALS Association. It will help them continue their essential support programs and research. 
• Move forward for a cause: Take part in an ALS walk, fundraiser, or run in your community. It is an effective method to increase money for ALS research and stay active. 

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ALS by the Numbers: Important Statistics You Should Know (2025–2026)

Understanding how widespread ALS is helps us realize why ALS Awareness Month truly matters. Here are the latest statistics that put this disease into perspective:

Statistic	Data
New ALS diagnoses in the US each year	~5,000–6,000
People currently living with ALS in the US	~30,000
Average age at diagnosis	55–75 years
Average survival after diagnosis	2–5 years
People who survive 10+ years	~10%
Percentage of ALS cases that are familial (genetic)	~10%
Percentage that are sporadic (no family history)	~90%
Global ALS prevalence	~220,000 people worldwide

Furthermore, ALS does not discriminate. It affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders, although men are slightly more likely to develop it than women. (Source: ALS Association)

In addition, military veterans are nearly twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general public. Researchers believe this could be linked to environmental toxin exposure. (Source: NIH/NINDS)

Despite decades of research, ALS remains 100% fatal, and currently only about 2% of ALS patients have access to a treatment that can restore lost function. (Source: ALS Association, 2025)

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Early Warning Signs of ALS: What to Watch For

One of the biggest challenges with ALS is that its early symptoms are often dismissed as normal tiredness or aging. However, catching ALS early gives patients and families more time to plan, access therapies, and build support systems.

Here are the early warning signs you should never ignore:

Physical Warning Signs:

• Weakness or clumsiness in one hand or arm
• Tripping or stumbling when walking without an obvious reason
• Slurred or slow speech that is getting worse over time
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
• Muscle cramps and twitching (called fasciculations), especially in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
• Unexpected muscle stiffness or tightness

Less Obvious Signs:

• Fatigue that feels different from regular tiredness
• Voice changes — becoming softer, hoarser, or harder to understand
• Emotional changes such as laughing or crying at unexpected moments (this is called PseudoBulbar Affect, or PBA)

Moreover, early ALS symptoms can happen in different parts of the body depending on which motor neurons are affected first. For example, if it starts in the hands, a person may notice they suddenly cannot button a shirt. If it starts in the legs, they may trip more often. (Source: NINDS)

⚠️ Important: There is no single test to diagnose ALS. A neurologist will usually perform an MRI, EMG (electromyography), and blood tests to rule out other conditions before confirming an ALS diagnosis. (Source: NIH)

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The Ice Bucket Challenge: How a Viral Moment Changed ALS Forever

You have probably heard of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — but do you know the full story behind it?

In the summer of 2014, a simple social media idea went completely viral and changed the future of ALS research forever. Here is how it happened:

The Origin Story:

The challenge was started by three young men who all had ALS. They encouraged people to dump a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads, post the video online, and then donate to ALS research. Within weeks, celebrities, athletes, and everyday people from around the world were participating.

The Results Were Staggering:

Impact Area	Result
Total money raised	$115 million for the ALS Association
Follow-on global funding triggered	Over $1 billion
New ALS genes discovered because of this funding	5 new genes
New drug therapies developed	Multiple
Countries that participated	Over 100

As a result of this funding, researchers discovered the NEK1 gene — one of the most common genetic contributors to ALS — which would not have been found without the Challenge’s money. (Source: ALS Association)

Even though the Ice Bucket Challenge happened over a decade ago, ALS remains 100% fatal. That is exactly why events during ALS Awareness Month — and your continued participation — still matter so much today. (Source: ALS Association)

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The 7 Stages of ALS: A Simple Guide for Families

ALS progresses differently for every person. However, doctors generally describe the journey in 7 stages to help patients and families understand what to expect. Knowing these stages helps families plan ahead and get the right support at the right time.

Stage	What Happens	Key Challenges
Stage 1 – Early Onset	Mild weakness in one limb, occasional muscle cramps	Often misdiagnosed; symptoms dismissed
Stage 2 – Mild Progression	Weakness spreads; difficulty with fine motor tasks like writing	Daily tasks become harder
Stage 3 – Moderate Progression	Balance issues, slurred speech, arm weakness increases	Falls become a risk; mobility aids may begin
Stage 4 – Advanced Progression	Significant weakness in limbs; swallowing difficulties begin	Eating and nutrition support needed
Stage 5 – Severe Progression	Most voluntary movement lost; breathing becomes difficult	BiPAP (breathing support machine) introduced
Stage 6 – Late Stage	Voluntary movement almost entirely gone; assistive tech for communication	Eye-tracking devices and speech apps used
Stage 7 – End Stage	Respiratory failure; hospice or palliative care introduced	Comfort, dignity, and emotional support are priority

Additionally, it is important to remember that ALS affects the body but usually does NOT affect a person’s mind. Even in late stages, most ALS patients remain mentally alert, aware, and able to feel emotions — which makes compassionate care and communication absolutely essential. (Source: NINDS)

For families supporting someone through these stages, connecting with a multidisciplinary care team including neurologists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and social workers is strongly recommended. (Source: NINDS)

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FDA-Approved ALS Treatments: What Is Currently Available?

While there is still no cure for ALS, the good news is that treatments have improved significantly. As of 2025, several FDA-approved medications can slow the progression of ALS and improve quality of life.

Here is a simple breakdown:

Treatment	Type	What It Does
Riluzole (Rilutek)	Oral medication	Reduces glutamate damage to motor neurons; may extend survival by a few months
Edaravone (Radicava)	IV or oral	Reduces oxidative stress; may slow functional decline in some patients
AMX0035 (Relyvrio)	Oral	Targets two pathways of cell death; approved in 2022 (under review in some markets)
Tofersen (Qalsody)	Injection	Specifically for ALS caused by the SOD1 gene mutation

Furthermore, beyond medications, a full ALS treatment plan usually includes:

• Physical therapy — to maintain movement, reduce fall risk, and preserve independence as long as possible
• Occupational therapy — to help with daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and writing
• Speech therapy — to manage swallowing difficulties and support communication
• Respiratory therapy — to support breathing as the disease progresses
• Nutritional support — because swallowing difficulties can lead to dangerous weight loss

(Source: NINDS – NIH)

In addition, clinical trials are actively ongoing. People living with ALS and their caregivers can search for open trials at clinicaltrials.gov or through the ALS Association’s clinical trial finder. (Source: ALS Association)

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ALS vs. MS vs. Parkinson’s: What Is the Difference?

Many people confuse ALS with other neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. However, these are very different diseases with different causes, symptoms, and outcomes. During ALS Awareness Month, understanding these differences helps the public become better informed advocates.

Feature	ALS	Multiple Sclerosis (MS)	Parkinson’s Disease
What is affected?	Motor neurons (movement control)	Myelin sheath (nerve coating)	Dopamine-producing brain cells
Who gets it?	Mostly adults 55–75	Mostly adults 20–40	Mostly adults 60+
Does it affect thinking?	Usually no	Sometimes yes	Sometimes yes
Is there a cure?	No	No	No
Can it be managed long-term?	Limited — fatal within years	Yes — many live decades	Yes — manageable for years
Main symptoms	Muscle weakness, paralysis	Fatigue, vision problems, numbness	Tremors, stiffness, slow movement
Famous person affected	Lou Gehrig, Stephen Hawking	Selma Blair, Jack Osbourne	Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox

The key thing to understand is that ALS is currently the most rapidly progressive and fatal of these three conditions. While MS and Parkinson’s patients can often manage their disease for decades, most ALS patients face a much faster decline. (Source: NINDS)

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Famous People Who Had ALS: Their Courage Inspires Millions

One of the most powerful ways to raise awareness is through stories of real people who faced ALS with extraordinary courage. Here are some of the most well-known individuals who have lived with ALS:

Lou Gehrig (1903–1941) Lou Gehrig was a legendary New York Yankees first baseman known as the “Iron Horse.” He was diagnosed with ALS in 1939 at just 36 years old. His farewell speech — in which he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” — remains one of the most moving moments in sports history. ALS is still widely called “Lou Gehrig’s disease” in his honor. (Source: ALS Association)

Stephen Hawking (1942–2018) Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at age 21. Remarkably, he lived with the disease for over 55 years — far longer than the typical prognosis. He continued his groundbreaking work in cosmology and became a global symbol of resilience. (Source: BraunAbility)

Peter Frates (1984–2019) Peter Frates, a former college baseball captain, was one of the key figures who helped launch the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014. Diagnosed at 27, he channeled his energy into advocacy that raised over $115 million for research. (Source: ALS Association)

Senator John McCain Though primarily known for his political career, John McCain also became an advocate for ALS research funding before his death in 2018 from brain cancer, as ALS research intersects broadly with neurological disease funding efforts.

These stories remind us that ALS does not define a person — courage, love, and the will to make a difference do.

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How to Support an ALS Caregiver: What Competitors Don’t Tell You

Most ALS awareness articles focus on the patient. But caregivers — the family members and friends who provide daily support — face an enormous emotional and physical burden that is rarely talked about.

In fact, studies show that ALS caregivers often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than caregivers of other neurological diseases, because ALS progresses so quickly and the needs change constantly. (Source: NIH – Caregiver Burden in ALS)

Here is what ALS caregivers actually need:

Need	Practical Way to Help
Respite care	Offer to sit with the ALS patient so the caregiver can rest or run errands
Meal support	Organize a meal train through apps like MealTrain.com
Transportation help	Offer to drive the patient to medical appointments
Emotional support	Check in regularly — even a text matters
Financial assistance	Help research ALS-specific financial assistance programs
Information help	Assist with navigating clinical trials or insurance paperwork

Additionally, the ALS Association offers a Caregiver Peer Support network where caregivers can connect with others walking the same path. (Source: ALS Association)

If you are an ALS caregiver yourself, please remember: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is essential. Your health directly affects your ability to care for your loved one.

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The History of ALS Awareness Month: How It All Began

ALS Awareness Month did not always exist. Understanding its history helps us appreciate how far the ALS community has come — and how much further we still need to go.

Here is a simple timeline:

Year	Milestone
1869	Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, first described and named ALS (also called “Charcot’s disease” in France)
1939	Lou Gehrig announces his ALS diagnosis; the disease becomes widely known in the United States
1985	The ALS Association is founded in the United States
1992	May is officially declared ALS Awareness Month in the US to recognize the ALS community
2014	The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes viral; $115 million raised in one summer
2021	The ACT for ALS is signed into law, boosting research funding and accelerating access to experimental treatments
2022	Lou Gehrig Day officially becomes an annual MLB event, held every June 2
2025	ALS Awareness Month continues with new campaigns, clinical trials, and community advocacy

(Source: ALS Association | Source: All ALS Research Study)

As you can see, every single year brings new progress. The official declaration of May as ALS Awareness Month was a turning point because it gave the community a dedicated platform to fundraise, educate, and advocate all at once.

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Your ALS Awareness Month Action Plan: Social Media Hashtags & What to Do

Raising awareness during ALS Awareness Month does not require money. It just requires your voice. Here is a simple, step-by-step action plan you can start today:

Step 1: Use the Right Hashtags

Platform	Top Hashtags to Use
Instagram & Facebook	#ALSAwarenessMonth #ALSisHere #SoAreWe #FightALS #ALSWarrior
X (Twitter)	#ALSAwarenessMonth #ALSisHere #LouGehrigDay
TikTok	#ALSAwareness #ALSChallenge #FightALS
LinkedIn	#ALSAwarenessMonth #NeurologicalDisease #ALSResearch

Step 2: Share Facts, Not Just Feelings

Sharing a statistic or a story is more powerful than a simple “raise awareness” post. For example: “Did you know that 5,000 people are newly diagnosed with ALS every year in the US alone? That’s why ALS Awareness Month matters.”

Step 3: Make a Donation (Even a Small One)

Here is a quick comparison of top ALS organizations where your money goes:

Organization	Focus	Website
ALS Association	Research + patient services + advocacy	als.org
I AM ALS	Community building + advocacy	iamals.org
ALS TDI (Therapy Development Institute)	Drug discovery research	als.net
Prize4Life	Accelerating drug development via prizes	prize4life.org
Team Gleason	Assistive technology for ALS patients	teamgleason.org

Step 4: Participate in a Local or Virtual Event

The ALS Association hosts walks, runs, and virtual fundraisers throughout May. You can find an event near you at als.org/awareness. (Source: ALS Association)

Step 5: Wear the Colors

The official ALS awareness color is red, and the symbol is the blue cornflower. Wearing these colors on Lou Gehrig Day (June 2) and throughout May sparks conversations that lead to donations and support.

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Voice Search

Q: When was ALS Awareness Month first established?

A: May was officially declared ALS Awareness Month in 1992 to honor the ALS community, including patients, caregivers, and families. (Source: All ALS)

Q: Is ALS the same as Motor Neuron Disease (MND)?

A: Yes. ALS is a type of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). In the UK and Australia, it is more commonly called MND, while in the United States it is called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. (Source: NIH)

Q: Can ALS be prevented?

A: Currently, there is no known way to prevent ALS. Since about 90% of cases have no family history, most cases appear to occur randomly. However, avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to environmental toxins may lower risk in some people. (Source: NINDS)

Q: What is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

A: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral social media campaign in 2014 where people dumped ice water over their heads and donated to ALS research. It raised $115 million and led to the discovery of 5 new ALS-related genes. (Source: ALS Association)

Q: What is Lou Gehrig Day?

A: Lou Gehrig Day is an annual awareness event held on June 2 across Major League Baseball (MLB). All 30 MLB teams participate to honor Lou Gehrig’s legacy and raise ALS awareness. It was officially established in 2022. (Source: ALS News Today)

Q: How is ALS diagnosed?

A: There is no single test for ALS. Diagnosis involves a neurological exam, MRI brain scan, EMG test, and blood tests to rule out other conditions. Getting diagnosed early is important because some treatments work best in the early stages. (Source: NIH)

Q: What is the ALS Awareness Month color for 2025?

A: The official ALS awareness color is red. The symbol is the blue cornflower, which represents hope and resilience. (Source: ALS Association)

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FAQs about ALS Month

Let us discover the most common facts regarding ALS month 2024:

What color is the ALS ribbon?

As per the ALS Association, the official ALS awareness color is red. 

What is ALS life expectancy?

Although the average survival time with the ALS disease is 2 to 5 years, few individuals live 5 years, 10 years, or even more. 

What is the symbol for ALS?

The ALS symbol is the blue cornflower since it is a hardy wildflower despite its delegate look. As the blue cornflower is planted, ALS awareness increases along with it throughout the country. 

Conclusion

ALS Awareness Month 2024 is a robust tool for supporting education and progress in the battle against ALS. Let us come together, share stories, and increase awareness. This combined effort propels us toward an ALS-free future.