Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Thanks to the ALS Association for spearheading this effort.  Please join them in helping make the Senate understand why funding is imperative toward finding a cure for ALS.

Advocate for a Treatment this August

As Congress heads home for their summer recess (mid-August to mid-September), we need your help to double funding for the ALS Research Program (ALSRP) at the Department of Defense. This vital program is specifically designed to find a treatment for ALS.

The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee recently voted to increase funding for the ALSRP to $10 million, a more than 30% increase over last year! While this is great news, much more must be done. Last year's funding of $7.5 million is expected to only fund four projects. And that’s why we need your help. We want the Senate to double funding to $15 million for the program when they return to Washington in September.

In order to accomplish this goal, ALS Association Chapters and advocates across the country are meeting with Senators throughout the recess to build support for the ALSRP. But your Senators need to hear from you! In fact, your outreach will send a loud and clear message to Senators that people with ALS all over the state need a treatment today. That we don’t have time to wait. That more funding is needed!

Please visit the Advocacy Action Center of our website (http://capwiz.com/alsa/home/) and urge your Senators to provide $15 million for the ALSRP in 2011. And contact them today. While the recess begins this week and will continue until mid-September, don’t wait to email your Senators. Contact them today and help find a treatment and cure for ALS!