OTTAWA – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, rose in the House on June 6th, 2011 and made the following statement to draw the nation's attention to ALS Awareness Month:

“Mr. Speaker, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal motor neuron disease which affects approximately three thousand Canadians.  Eighty percent of those affected by this terrible disease pass away within five years of diagnosis – being unable to breathe or swallow.” 

“This cause is very close to my heart, as my father succumbed to ALS a number of years ago.  After my personal encounter with this disease, I introduced a Private Member’s Bill to have the month of June officially designated as National ALS Month.  Each year at this time, friends, family, and supporters of those suffering from ALS dedicate their time and energy to increase the knowledge of this devastating disease and to raise funds for a cure.” 

“I encourage each Member to wear a cornflower today to show their support for finding a cure for this devastating disease.  I would also encourage all Canadians to help us find a cure for ALS by supporting or volunteering for their local ALS organization.”