In America, we work to spread awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, for the entire month of May as part National ALS Awareness Month. However, there is also one single day when the entire world comes together to share the story of this devastating disease, as well as the global effort to both find treatments for it and support those living with ALS.
Today, June 21, we observe Global ALS/MND Awareness Day all across the world. The event is organized by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, a group of organizations from across the globe dedicated to helping those with ALS and other forms of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). They include research institutions like the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), as well as advocacy organizations and groups that provide services directly for people living with ALS/MND.
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations chose the 21st because of its proximity to the summer solstice. They say this day is a “turning point” – the longest day of the year, and the time that days start getting shorter and nights start getting longer. They hope that this day can also be a turning point for the fight against ALS as organizations across the world work together.
Today, if you follow the hashtag #ALSMNDWithoutBorders on social media, you’ll see an array of content in many different languages from a variety of countries, all with the same theme – promoting awareness for ALS and encouraging people to support local organizations. You can participate yourself by adding your own posts to this global movement, by supporting ALS organizations in your city, state, or country, and by learning about the fight to end ALS.
For a list of the organizations that make up the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, and to find one near you, click here. If you’d like to learn more about how you can support ALS TDI’s essential research to end ALS, visit our Research Page.
