ALS Month: Spreading Awareness and Support for ALS
Each year, ALS Month shines a spotlight on a disease that affects thousands of individuals and families across the globe. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that currently has no cure.
Recognized officially in the U.S. as ALS Awareness Month, this annual campaign seeks to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and support research for better treatments.
Whether you’re new to the cause or already a dedicated advocate, learning about ALS Awareness Month, its history, and how to get involved can empower you to make a difference.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, individuals with ALS lose the ability to control muscle movement, eventually leading to total paralysis.
Key Facts:
- Also known as: Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Average life expectancy after diagnosis: 2–5 years
- Only FDA-approved treatments: Riluzole and Edaravone (modestly slow progression)
Learn more from the ALS and CDC.
When is ALS Awareness Month?
Year | Recognition Month | Theme/Highlight |
| ALS Awareness Month 2021 | May | Virtual fundraisers due to COVID-19 |
| ALS Awareness Month 2022 | May | Focus on federal research funding |
| ALS Awareness Month 2023 | May | Expanded global partnerships |
| ALS Month 2022 | May | Local community walks and events |
While May is ALS Awareness Month in the U.S., June is ALS Awareness Month in Canada and other countries. This growing international participation has led to a broader global recognition of ALS Month.
Why ALS Month Matters?
ALS Month is more than an awareness campaign—it’s a life-changing opportunity to:
- Raise public understanding of ALS
- Advocate for policy changes and funding
- Support individuals and families affected by the disease
- Inspire participation in clinical trials and research
During National ALS Awareness Month, nonprofits, medical professionals, and supporters amplify their voices to drive progress.
Ways to Participate in ALS Awareness Month
ALS Month activities are designed to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities. Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Attend or Organize Events
- Local ALS walks or fundraisers
- Virtual webinars on ALS research
- Lou Gehrig Day events at MLB games (held annually on June 2)
2. Use Social Media
3. Fund ALS Research
Donations directly support studies into gene therapy, stem cell research, and innovative treatments.
Suggested organizations:
4. Wear ALS Gear
Show solidarity with ALS patients by wearing the signature ALS colors (often blue or white) and awareness bracelets.
Recent ALS Month Highlights
ALS Awareness Month 2023
- Increased funding by NIH for ALS clinical trials
- High-profile ALS stories in media (e.g., patients’ memoirs and documentaries)
ALS Awareness Month 2022
- Focus on legislative changes, such as the ACT for ALS Bill
- Virtual conferences hosted by MDA and ALS Association
ALS Awareness Month 2021
- Shifted to online-only events due to pandemic
- Emphasis on patient resilience and caregiver recognition
ALS by the Numbers
Estimated Global Mentions of ALS Awareness Online (May, by Year)
Here’s a bar chart showing the estimated global mentions of ALS Awareness online during May from 2021 to 2023.
(Source: Public social media data and analytics tools)
Conclusion:
Join the Movement During ALS Month. ALS Month is a vital opportunity to educate, advocate, and support the ALS community. Whether you participate in a local walk, share resources online, or simply take a moment to learn about Lou Gehrig’s disease, your involvement matters.
Let’s honor those we’ve lost, uplift those fighting, and work together toward a cure. Make this ALS Awareness Month count—because awareness sparks action, and action creates change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ALS Month
1. What is ALS Awareness Month and when is it observed?
ALS Awareness Month, also known as ALS Month, is observed in May in the United States to raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The campaign involves advocacy, education, and fundraising events to support research and improve patient care. Some countries, like Canada, observe it in June.
2. Why is ALS Month important?
ALS Month is crucial because it draws attention to a disease that often goes unnoticed until diagnosis.
It helps increase public knowledge, influence healthcare policy, and generate donations that fund critical ALS research and patient support programs. The month also provides a platform for those affected by ALS to share their stories and foster community support.
3. How can I participate in ALS Awareness Month?
There are many ways to get involved in ALS Month:
- Join or organize an ALS Walk or fundraising event
- Donate to ALS-focused nonprofits like ALS Association
- Wear ALS awareness gear or colors
- Contact lawmakers to advocate for ALS funding and policy changes
4. What are the official colors or symbols of ALS Awareness?
The most commonly used colors for ALS Awareness Month are blue and white. Ribbons, bracelets, and T-shirts are often worn to symbolize support. The blue cornflower is sometimes used as an international symbol of ALS awareness due to its resilience and strength.
5. Is Lou Gehrig’s Disease the same as ALS?
Yes, Lou Gehrig’s Disease is another name for ALS, named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939.
The term is commonly used in the U.S., especially during ALS Month, to honor his legacy and bring human recognition to the condition.
