[BobbyB]

Urging folks to get involved in fight against ALS
Bobby Brannigan, Spruce Pine • published July 23, 2008 12:15 am

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I have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. I can no longer work, and walk with great difficulty, and my family and I are faced with some life-changing decisions. However, I have not written for sympathy.

In the fall of 2007, Sen. Harry Reid presented SB1382 to develop a system to establish a national ALS registry. The purpose would have been to better describe the incidence and prevalence of ALS, examine the appropriate factors and include demographic factors such as race, age, gender and family history.

A similar bill passed the House, 441 yes votes, four nays and 17 not voting.

The bill has 76 co-sponsors in the Senate. Republican Sen. Tom Coburn, a medical doctor from Oklahoma, has single-handedly blocked this bill.

The number of people with ALS is only a guess. Many are misdiagnosed or never diagnosed because of quick death. With a registry we might be able to find common factors and eventually a link to so many unanswered questions about this disabling disease. Research is being done, but without supporting data, a cure may never be found.

Please join me in protest of Coburn. Let him know this hold must be lifted.

Bobby Brannigan, Spruce Pine


http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pb...cAnPVvmmHNg%3D

[BobbyB]

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Showing posts 1 - 2 of 2 Voter
Asheville, NC Reply »
|Report Abuse |#1 7 hrs ago
The senator from Oklahoma will not be interested in what voters from NC think. Better to contact Senator Dole and ask view on this matter. She will be interested in your views, since she is up for re-election. I have contacted her at the following link:
http://dole.senate.gov/public/index.cfm...

The letter writer might also contact NC State Senator Kay Hagan, who is running against Senator Dole.


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AOL Reply »
|Report Abuse |#2 6 hrs ago


ALS is no joke! It is so hard to watch someone suffering with this disease, to watch them lose themselves - to know their mind is still sharp, crisp, but they have become a prisinor inside their own body.

I was very close to Bob Waters and his family and watched this disease take his life. Coach Waters was a fighter and fought until the end. I remember like it was yesterday spending time with this family, helping them with Coach Waters. I fed him, helped move him from room to room, did anything that was needed and never once complained, I was happy to be there to help.

I would hope people would support this bill, it does seem like a registry is something that would not only be helpful, but is needed.

I support you Mr. Brannigan and others living with this disease. May God continue to bless you.

Showing posts 1 - 2 of 2