This month is being recognized as ALS Awareness Month in the City of Swift Current. 

ALS is shorthand for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a disease which affects motor neurons. It causes the neurons to stop sending signals, as they deteriorate over time. This causes weakening of the muscles, which develop a twitch and begin to atrophy. 

During Monday night's Swift Current city council meeting, the matter was presented to city council by Corinne Brown, on behalf of ALS Saskatchewan. 

"June is recognized as ALS Awareness Month across Canada," shared Brown. "That's why I'm here today."

In Saskatchewan alone, there are between 250 to 300 cases of the disease each year. These patients are all at various stages of the disease, from the beginning stages to the end stages where muscles no longer function, inhibiting things like limb movement and the ability to breathe, which eventually leads to death. 

"I lead an ALS support group here in for Swift Current and area," said Brown. "Our group is currently on hiatus because we lost their last ALS patient in December."

The support group was founded in 2017 and consists of individuals who know someone with ALS, be they family or friends. Thankfully, Saskatchewan hasn't had any new reported cases in the southwest area. 

"Our support group continues to get together in an informal setting, while our monthly meetings are on hold," shared Brown. 

Swift Current city council then had Swift Current Mayor, Al Bridal, present the official proclamation to Brown, making the motion official.