HJR643 Summary

• Recognizes and honors Bruce Porterfield for his exceptional strength and courage in overcoming adversity while living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

• Porterfield was born February 2, 1961, in Fort Deposit, graduated from Lowndes County High School in 1979, and earned a football scholarship to Alabama State University where he was a three-year starter running back and maintained honor student status.

• Diagnosed with ALS in 1985 with a life expectancy of three to five years, Porterfield has survived more than 20 years longer than the maximum prognosis through his faith, determination, and family support.

• He signed on as a free agent with the NFL's Saint Louis Cardinals before his body was affected by ALS, and remains active in making his own health care and spiritual decisions despite being bed-confined.

• The resolution was adopted by the House on March 25, 2010, and adopted by the Senate on April 6, 2010.