{"id":64580,"date":"2022-01-12T01:38:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T01:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2022\/01\/12\/in-a-divided-time-bipartisanship-gives-hope-to-veterans-with-als\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:41:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T11:41:08","slug":"in-a-divided-time-bipartisanship-gives-hope-to-veterans-with-als","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2022\/01\/12\/in-a-divided-time-bipartisanship-gives-hope-to-veterans-with-als\/","title":{"rendered":"In a divided time, bipartisanship gives hope to veterans with ALS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During my 41 years of military service, one leadership phrase resonated with me as I progressed in rank and responsibility: \u201cwe convey through our actions that which is important.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a cancer survivor, I am a beneficiary of our past leaders who, in 1971, took action and declared war on cancer by enacting the National Cancer Act<\/a>. In introducing this bill, Sen. Peter Dominick, R-Colo., noted: \u201cthere is a growing consensus that our vast scientific and technological resources should promptly be marshaled in an unprecedented attack on this devastating disease.\u201d Today, the investments and innovations spurred by that law have saved millions of lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, as a veteran with ALS<\/a>, I am heartened to see a similar sense of purpose among our leaders. ALS\u2019 100 percent fatality rate and fast progression (average lifespan from diagnosis is 2-5 years<\/a>) demand action. ALS\u2019 hugely disproportionate impact on military veterans demands that our leaders fight to honor the sacrifices made by our serving members, veterans, and military families. And it\u2019s a full-scale war we need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Six months ago, I was advising military leaders on national strategy and policy to protect our nation. Today, I cannot read a children\u2019s book to my grandson. ALS eventually paralyzes every limb and every muscle in the body. It strips away the ability to eat, drink, speak, swallow, and breathe. Death for ALS patients usually comes in the form of respiratory failure, often after loss of all ability to move or speak. Our bodies will become our own coffins. This is the price I will pay for my service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But our leaders are now rising to the challenge. On December 23, 2021, fifty years to the day after President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act into law, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan \u201cACT for ALS<\/a>.\u201d The timing of this new law coincides with big changes in the science of ALS. For the first time ever, there are promising ALS therapies<\/a> in clinical trials. ACT for ALS will help veterans and non-veterans alike access those therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\t