Verocardiofacial Syndrome Awareness Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Verocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic condition that causes many physical changes to the body, such as the formation of distinct facial features, and can lead to heart, bone and immune system disorders; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of VCFS may include cleft palate, heart complications, learning difficulties, poor eyesight, middle-ear infections, seizures resulting from low levels of parathyroid hormone, low resistance to infection, weak muscles, scoliosis and low calcium levels; and

WHEREAS, VCFS can be diagnosed based on a physical exam and the presence of standard symptoms. A blood test called FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) can be done and more detailed genetic tests are possible, but rare because they require much more sophisticated laboratory techniques; and

WHEREAS, the key to progress in the battle against VCFS is awareness:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 22, 2015, as

Verocardiofacial Syndrome Awareness Day

in the State of Alabama.

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 25th day of September 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor