The Rockwall City Council meeting on June 2, 2025, featured a significant proclamation aimed at raising awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The proclamation was initiated by local resident Penny Coughlin, who is currently battling the disease. Although Coughlin was unable to attend the meeting, the council emphasized the importance of delivering the proclamation to her.

The proclamation highlighted the serious nature of ALS, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. It noted that thousands of new cases are reported annually, with a diagnosis occurring every 90 minutes. The average survival time for those diagnosed with ALS is between two to five years, and the exact causes remain unknown, with no cure currently available.

The council also pointed out that military veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS compared to those without military service. The importance of access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for ALS patients was underscored, as well as the critical role of clinical trials in improving treatment options and quality of life.

Additionally, the proclamation recognized the ALS Association as the largest philanthropic supporter of ALS research globally, having committed over $154 million to various projects aimed at finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by the disease. The council's efforts to raise awareness were framed as a means to acknowledge the challenges faced by ALS patients and their families, while also supporting ongoing research initiatives.

This proclamation serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against ALS and the need for community support and awareness in addressing this devastating disease.