Speaker Sexton proposes $10M toward ALS research at Vanderbilt
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House Speaker Cameron Sexton earmarked $10 million for the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center in a proposed state budget amendment.
Why it matters: The state funds could position Tennessee to level up as a nationally recognized hub for ALS research.
Between the lines: The money would be a game-changer for Vanderbilt. In one fell swoop, the proposed funding would eclipse the center's fundraising target.
- The ALS Research Center previously sought to raise at least $5 million over the next three to five years.
The big picture: Some of the nation's most effective ALS activists are people who have been diagnosed with the disease and their family members. Vanderbilt's ALS research program was boosted by the advocacy of Nashvillians like Evan Campa.
- Sexton proposed the state funding after seeing the brutal nature of ALS. The former state Rep. Gerald McCormick died last year at age 63 following an ALS diagnosis.
- Sexton and McCormick were close friends who received a tour together of the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center last year.
What he's saying: "I've seen firsthand the incredible work being done at the VARC Lab and the state is proud to continue supporting their mission," Sexton tells Axios. "ALS has impacted close friends of mine, and like so many families across our state, I know how devastating this disease can be."
The intrigue: Inside the lab, center director Dr. Veronique Belzil and her team are pursuing cutting-edge ALS research using sophisticated methods, including virtual reality tools, to discover possible treatments and a cure.
- Belzil told Axios through a spokesperson that Vanderbilt University Medical Center would be "honored to receive any support to continue the important work" at the research center.
- "The Vanderbilt ALS Research Center is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs that advance early detection and treatment of ALS," she said.
- "The Center integrates basic science research with clinical programs to accelerate research into meaningful advances for individuals affected by this neurodegenerative disease."
What's next: Because the state funds are included as an amendment to the state's operating budget, the legislature must sign off on the proposal.
How to help: The Vanderbilt ALS Research Center launched a specialty license plate campaign to help raise awareness and funding for its efforts.
- The campaign, which recently approved the final design of the specialty plates, has until June 30, 2027, to secure 1,000 preorders.
- You can preorder a plate online.