Tears of sadness turned into tears of joy, as the author of a bipartisan bill who was able-bodied a few months ago, is now wheelchair bound. Senator David Tomassoni has had many titles in his life. Democrat. Independent. Hockey player. As of last summer, he became one of the hundreds of Minnesotans diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Since announcing his diagnosis, the 69-year-old who represents Chisholm has become the face of ALS. This afternoon, fellow legislators supported the senator during an emotional bill signing ceremony.
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"My family and I are overwhelmed and grateful to everyone involved," he said. "Nothing is more powerful than hearing a firsthand emotional account of the effect ALS can have on a family."
Legislators approved a total of $25 million; with $20 million for conducting research and $5 million for training caregivers.
"Caregivers get some badly needed support," said Tomassoni. "Being a caregiver is a 24 hour job."
Executive Director of the ALS Association for Minnesota, South and North Dakota Chapter, Jennifer Hjelle, called the legislation historic.
"In 2014 the Ice Bucket Challenge brought in $115 million dollars nationwide," said Hjelle. "Since that time, researchers have identified five new genes associated with ALS."
Hjelle believes the money will revive momentum from the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge. "$25 million is quite significant."
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) will award competitive grants to conduct research into the prevention, treatment, causes, and cures of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Friend (to Tomassoni) and fellow Senator Tom Bakk (I) said he hopes the OHE receives many applications.
"We've done things before that changed the health of the world, in this state" said Bakk. "This provides an opportunity potentially to do that again."