Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

WHEREAS, stroke occurs at a rate of one in 2,700 live births each year and in 12 in 100,000 children per year, with stroke being the sixth leading cause of death in children; and

WHEREAS, between 50 and 85 percent of infants and children who have a pediatric stroke will have serious, permanent neurological disabilities, including paralysis, seizures, speech and vision problems, attention, learning and behavioral difficulties and may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries; and

WHEREAS, the life-long health concerns and treatments resulting from pediatric stroke result in a heavy financial and emotional toll on the child, family and society; and

WHEREAS, very little is known about the cause, treatment and prevention of pediatric stroke; the risk factors, symptoms, prevention efforts and treatment are often different in children than in adults; only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke be identified and developed; and

WHEREAS, an early diagnosis and commencement of treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves chances of recovery and prevention of recurrence:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2013, 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.