CWA Forming ALS Support Group

CWA is forming a support group for members, friends and families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," ALS affects as many as 30,000 Americans at any one time. It is a degenerative nerve disease whose symptoms include slurred speech and diminishing control over the use of hands and feet. More than 5,600 people within the United States are diagnosed each year.

At the CWA Legislative-Political Conference in March, District 2 Vice President Pete Catucci announced that he has the disease, and that he will continue to serve in office and to advocate for stem cell research. Stem cell treatments, Catucci said, while not available in this country have been shown to effect a cure rate of up to 40 percent in other countries.

"I want to change people's minds about what's really important," Catucci said. Referring to a broad range of diseases for which stem cell treatments may prove effective, he said, "Up to 100 million people may benefit from this research."

Ron Collins, administrative director in District 2, is conducting an assessment to learn who and how many of the CWA family are affected by ALS as well as what activities a CWA support group might undertake. To offer information and suggetions, you may contact Ron at (301) 562-8133 or send an e-mail to rcollins@cwa-union.org.