Rep. Baca Introduces Legislation Supporting The Recognition Of Hardy Brown - Pls Awareness Month
Thursday, 27 December 2007
WASHINGTON, DC


Hardy Brown

Hardy Brown Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation to bring greater awareness to the neuromuscular disease Primary Lateral Sclerosis, or PLS. The resolution encourages Americans to recognize February 2008, in conjunction with Black History Month, as Hardy Brown - Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month. The awareness month would be named in honor of Inland resident and co-publisher of the Black Voice News, Hardy Brown - who is afflicted with PLS.

"I introduced this legislation because many Americans are unaware of the severe nature of PLS," said Rep. Baca. "We need to recognize the courage of the brave men and women who endure through this condition, while at the same time work to encourage greater awareness and better funding for research and treatments."

PLS is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the voluntary muscles. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig'sdisease, is a more fatal motor neuron disease that belongs to the same group of disorders as PLS. While there is currently no cure for PLS, therapy has been shown to help enhance the functioning skills and comfort levels of afflicted individuals.

The resolution and the awareness month it encourages are named in recognition of Hardy Brown. Through years of work as the publisher of the Black Voice News, Hardy has dedicated himself to fighting social injustice in the Inland Empire. He also has worked tirelessly to raise research funds for ALS, and is now diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis.



Rep. Joe Baca"Through his commitment to social justice and equality, Hardy Brown has served as an advocate for those without a voice in our Inland communities," added Rep. Baca. "It is fitting that we recognize him for his perseverance and dedication to finding a cure for motor neuron diseases."

"I hope this legislation raises awareness of PLS to all Americans, and in particular the medical profession," concluded Rep. Baca. "We need to ensure our doctors have all the information necessary to properly diagnose those individuals who suffer from neuromuscular disease - so they receive the best care possible."
Rep. Joe Baca