Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Week

WHEREAS, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily and is also known as brittle bone disease; an individual is born with this disorder and is affected throughout his/her lifetime; and

WHEREAS, there are different types of OI with a range of severity from mild to life threatening; and

WHEREAS, because there is no cure for OI, treatment focuses on minimizing fractures, the surgical correction of deformity, reducing bone fragility and maximizing mobility and independent function; and

WHEREAS, increased funding for education and research is needed to help discover more effective treatments; and

WHEREAS, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation is declaring May 4 through May 11, 2013, as National Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Week; board members, staff, medical professionals and volunteers are joining together to focus attention on OI in an effort to increase awareness:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of May 6 through May 11, 2013, as

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Week

in the state of Alabama.