Hi Bobby, I just received this letter by email. Remember you asked us to write to our state reps? Well, this is what I heard back. I'm leaving the typo in there


July 25, 2008



Dear Mrs. Erickson,



Knowing of your interest in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and the ALS Registry Act of 2007, I wanted to provide you with an update on recent legislative activity on this topic.



One of my highest legislative priorities has always been promoting research and development in the realm of disease control and eventual eradication. ALS is a particularly sinister and progressive disease that affects more and more families each year, extracting not only a physical toll on its victims but a large psychological toll on relatives and loved ones. Any effort that I can make that will contribute to a greater medical understanding of ALS is a worthwhile undertaking.



HR 2295, the ALS Registry Act of 2007, will establishment a national ALS registry. This database will help identify the incidence and prevalence of ALS in the U.S.; collect data important to the study of ALS; promote a better understanding of ALS; collect information that is important for research into the genetic and environmental factors that cause ALS; make available information to patients about research studies for which they may be eligible; maintain information about clinical specialists and clinical trials on therapies; and enhance efforts to find treatments and a cure for ALS.


I am an original cosponsor of HR 2295, the ALS Registry Act of 2007. On October 16, 2007, the House passed HR 2295, and I voted for this bill. Please be assured that you can count on my continued support for finding a cure to ALS. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact my office.



Sincerely,



JIM MATHESON
Member of Congress