TILSON MARKS ALS AWARENESS MONTH IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

OTTAWA, ON – This afternoon, on the occasion of the beginning of ALS Awareness Month in Canada, Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson rose in the House of Commons to mark the occasion. Mr. Tilson said:

 “Mr. Speaker, June is ALS awareness month. ALS is a rapidly progressive, fatal motor neuron disease that leaves those affected in a state of progressive paralysis.

As we approach the one year anniversary of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, I am proud of the more than 260,000 Canadians who donated a combined $17 million for ALS, but the fight it not over yet! Still today, roughly 3,000 Canadians are suffering from this disease with eighty percent of whom will die within 5 years of diagnosis.

In 2005, my father succumbed to ALS, so it has affected me personally. Each year at this time, friends, family, and supporters of those suffering from ALS dedicate their time and energy to this devastating disease to raise awareness and funds for a cure. 

I encourage each member to wear a cornflower today to demonstrate our support in the fight against ALS so that together we can support families and find a cure.”