Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

WHEREAS, stroke occurs before birth in one out of 4,000 births each year, and in one out of 8,300 children per year, with 20 to 40 percent of children dying due to a stroke; and

 WHEREAS, over half of the children who have a stroke will have serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body), seizures, speech and vision problems, learning difficulties and may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries; and

 WHEREAS, the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from Pediatric Stroke result in a heavy financial and emotional toll on the child, family and society; and

 WHEREAS, because very little is known about the cause, treatment and prevention of Pediatric Stroke, only medical research can aid in the identification and development of effective treatment and prevention strategies; and

 WHEREAS, an early diagnosis and commencement of treatment greatly improves chances for recovery from Pediatric Stroke and prevention of recurrence:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2012, as

Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

in the state of Alabama, and urge all citizens to support the efforts, programs, services and advocacy the Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association and other private organizations provide as they strive to enhance public awareness of  Childhood Stroke.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 22nd day of May 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley