The Lakeville City Council convened on May 19, 2025, to address several important agenda items, beginning with a proclamation recognizing May as ALS Awareness Month.

During the meeting, the council highlighted the significance of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The proclamation detailed the devastating effects of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs muscle function, ultimately affecting a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. The council noted that thousands of new cases are reported annually, with a diagnosis occurring every 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the average survival rate post-diagnosis is only 2 to 5 years.

The council emphasized the increased risk of ALS among military veterans and the critical need for access to new therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for those affected. The importance of clinical trials in developing new treatments and improving the quality of life for ALS patients was also underscored.

Furthermore, the ALS Association was recognized for its significant contributions to ALS research, having funded over $154 million for more than 550 projects worldwide. The council expressed hope that through increased awareness and support for research, ALS could one day become a manageable condition.

In conclusion, the Lakeville City Council officially proclaimed May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month, aiming to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with ALS and to promote efforts to find a cure.