COLUMBUS – Ohioans keen on raising awareness of ALS, a degenerative neurological disorder, can choose a license plate bearing a logo designed by an activist for the disease.
The finished symbol features a trio of sunflowers reaching upward toward the sun, according to a press release from the Ohio ALS Association. It was created by Ohioan Shirley Schmelzle, who lost her fight with the disease in 2016. Artist Hayley Porst produced the graphic.
"Today, her sunflower icon lives on as part of the Defeat ALS Ohio specialty license plate, supporting the work of the ALS Association throughout Ohio," the association said. "This exclusive plate costs $35 above the regular fee; of that amount, $25 goes directly to the related chapter to support people living with ALS."
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. People with ALS slowly lose the ability to walk, speak and, eventually, breathe. The disease is always fatal, and there is no cure.
To help in the search for treatments and a cure for ALS, and to support people living with the disease to live fuller lives, the Ohio ALS Association recommends the following:
- Purchase a Defeat ALS specialty license plate at either your local Ohio BMV or online at oplates.com.
- Get involved in the fight against ALS through the Walk to Defeat ALS, taking place in four Ohio cities this fall. Visit WalkToDefeatALS.org to register and donate to a walk near you.
