Letter to Editor this Veterans Day. 11/11/08
Please send this letter to your local news papers.
From the website of advocate4als.org
Thank You
VETERAN'S DAY - November 11
To the Editor
When we honor our veterans today, let us remember a very special group of vets who are often forgotten.
In homes and hospitals across America, veterans of the Gulf War are silently dying of Lou Gehrig's Disease, which has now been recognized as a service-related disability. Lou Gehrig's Disease - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - is a fatal neurological disease that slowly renders its victims paralyzed and unable to breathe, speak, or swallow on their own. Often, death comes within five years of onset and no Treatments or Cure. The first symptoms may not appear until years after the veteran returns to civilian life.
The risk for our vets of developing this dreaded disease is twice that of the general population, and the Veterans Administration has acknowledged the link between their service and the onset of ALS.
These brave men and women have given their all in the service of our country, just as have those who died on the battlefield. Please take a moment to honor their sacrifice.
Display the flag with pride and honor this Veterans Day.
advocate4als.org
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Letter to Editor this Veterans Day. 11/11/08
- By BobbyB
- Posted October 29, 2008 at 10:26 am · 1 reply
- In ALS and the military
- Shared with the public
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1 reply
- By BobbyB
- Posted October 29, 2008 at 1:13 pm
- Report post
Letter to Editor this Veterans Day. 11/11/08
Please send this letter to your local news papers.
From the website of advocate4als.org
Thank You
Hi, Bobby ... you asked for another letter to the editor. This one is a little longer.
Beth
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VETERAN'S DAY - November 11
To the Editor
Setting aside just one day a year to honor our veterans is not nearly enough. This nation should celebrate their service and sacrifices 24/7, for it is the men and women in the armed forces who have kept -- and are keeping -- this country free.
A month ago, the Veterans Administration recognized a very special group of vets: Men and women who served in the first Gulf War who now find themselves two to three times more likely than the general population to develop Lou Gehrig's Disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurological disease, with no treatment and no cure, that slowly renders its victims completely paralyzed, unable to move, breathe, speak, communicate, or swallow. On average, patients die within two to five years of diagnosis.
The connection of ALS to U.S. military service was first discovered in Gulf War veterans. However, further research has shown that all U.S. veterans of wars as far back as the First World War share an increased risk. Not only do our vets face a greater risk of developing ALS, but they are more likely to develop it at a younger age than the general population.
All across America, in homes and hospices, U.S. veterans are still paying the price for our freedom as they slowly and painfully die from ALS. Let us honor these special men and women on Veteran's Day and every day, and work to spread awareness and find a cure for this deadly disease.
Display the flag with pride and honor this Veterans Day.
advocate4als.org
Your Name
and town here.
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