Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) announced his legislation H. Res. 896, the Hardy Brown - PLS Awareness Act, now has over one hundred co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.

The resolution is designed to bring greater awareness to the neuromuscular disease Primary Lateral Sclerosis, or PLS.  The resolution encourages Americans to recognize February, in conjunction with Black History Month, as Hardy Brown - Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month.  The awareness month would be named in honor of Inland Resident and co-publisher of the Black Voice News, Hardy Brown - who is afflicted with PLS.

"Many Americans are unaware of the severe nature of PLS," said Rep. Baca.  "I am excited this resolution is gaining strong, bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.  It is important we recognize the example set by courageous individuals such as Hardy, who continue to persevere and prosper through difficult medical conditions."

PLS is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the voluntary muscles.  ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a more fatal motor neuron disease that belongs to the same group of disorders as PLS.  While there is currently no cure for PLS, therapy has been shown to help enhance the functioning skills and comfort levels of afflicted individuals.

Hardy Brown has dedicated his life to fighting social injustice in the Inland Empire.  Through years of work as the publisher of the Black Voice News, he has kept Inland residents informed of the civic and social decisions that impact their lives.  He also has worked tirelessly to raise funds for research and greater awareness of ALS and PLS.

"We all need to work, at both the local and national level, to encourage greater awareness and better funding for research and treatments of neuromuscular diseases," added Rep. Baca.  "As my legislation continues to gain momentum, I hope all Americans, and in particular the medical profession, become more educated on PLS.  We need to ensure our doctors can properly diagnose those individuals who suffer from neuromuscular disease - so they receive the best care possible."

H. Res. 896 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.