Turner Syndrome Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Turner syndrome is a non-inheritable disorder that affects one in 2,500 live female births; and

WHEREAS, earlier diagnosis will help girls and women get a complete cardiac screening; and

WHEREAS, risk for acute aortic dissection is increased by more than 100-fold in young and middle-aged women with Turner syndrome; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis facilitates prevention or remediation of growth failure, hearing problems and learning difficulties; and

WHEREAS, individuals with Turner syndrome have an increased risk of non-verbal learning disorder (NLD) and in school and work, these impairments can cause problems in math, visuospatial skills, executive function skills and job retention; and

WHEREAS, a disproportionately small amount of funding is available for Turner syndrome research and support; and

WHEREAS, with the help of medical specialists and a good support system, a woman with Turner syndrome can live a happy, healthy life; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Turner Syndrome Awareness Month will also provide the opportunity to share experience and information with the public and media, in order to raise public awareness about Turner syndrome:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim February 2014 as

Turner Syndrome Awareness Month

in the state of Alabama and encourage all citizens to increase awareness, education and services for Turner syndrome, which each year affects hundreds of female babies in Alabama.