ALS (or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Awareness Month is observed in the United States during the month of May. In Canada, June has been declared as ALS Awareness Month by the Canadian Minister of Health. It has been my resolve for nearly 20 years, to bring awareness to various topics through this column. This month, the focus has been on ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”). If presenting awareness days in this column gets people’s attention, involved in advocacy, or talking about the issue, even if it includes social media activism; then the attention given is achieving the purpose for which it is intended. It is my prayer that you just don’t read these ‘raising awareness’ articles; but that you will go a step further and do something about what you have been made aware of. In other words, don’t just post a status in support of the awareness, but choose a cause and act to address it!
In the conclusion of this series, the ALS Association offers the following areas where you can show your support for the ALS community by participating, advocating or donating to advance the fight toward a world free of ALS. The suggestions were published in the ALS News Today(1):
1. Educate. The ALS Association recognizes that many people, even if they have heard of ALS, have only a limited or hazy conception of what the disease is or what life is like for persons living with it. The ALS Association has created a video that can be shared via social media, email or posting on a volunteer participant’s blog or website. Go to: http://www.alsa.org/news/public-awareness/als-awareness-month/2017//signs-symptoms-vid.html to view the short video.
2. Color It Red. The official color of the ALS Association is red. ALS Association suggests that you increase ALS Awareness by changing your Facebook status to red during ALS Awareness Month.
3. Fundraising. One of the biggest contributions a person can make in the fight against ALS is through fundraising. Fundraising helps to raise money for research and supply essential services for people living with the disease. Contact the Wisconsin chapter of the ALS for additional events they sponsor in support of ALS.
If you are interested in donating to ALS Wisconsin Chapter, to help in the fight against ALS, go to https://www.alsawi.org/donate. Donations are accepted in any amount as a personal donation or in honor of a loved one; donations are also accepted in the form of medical equipment or the donation of auction or raffle items. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Contact the local ALS Wisconsin Chapter for more information on donation opportunities:
Wisconsin Chapter of the ALS Association
3333 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222
P: 414-763-2220
www@alsawi.org
1 May is ALS Awareness Month, Charles Moore, May 2017.
If you’ve missed any article in this series, feel free to view the archived digital edition at: https://milwaukeetimesnews.com/category/digital-editions
Next Month: Selected parables of Jesus modernized for our contemporary audience.
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your medical doctor or health care provider. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
