Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, muscular dystrophy is not a single disease or disorder that affects everyone the same way, but an umbrella term covering more than 9 types of muscular and 43 neuromuscular diseases ranging in severity; and

WHEREAS, all muscular dystrophies result in progressive muscle weakness, from mild muscle weakness to complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used for breathing and/or swallowing; and

WHEREAS, more than one million individuals in the United States are affected by one of the different types of muscular dystrophy; and

WHEREAS, muscular dystrophy strikes people regardless of race, sex, age or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, there are four times as many new clinical trials underway in the 1990s and there are more new drugs expected in the next few years than in the previous five decades in the fight for a cure for neuromuscular disease; and

WHEREAS, raising public awareness of these diseases will continue to facilitate the discovery of treatments and cures, as well as bring much-needed funding for support and services for families in Alabama who are affected by muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases; and

WHEREAS, Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and “Light it Up Blue for MD” Month is a special opportunity to educate the public about muscular dystrophy and issues in the muscular dystrophy community:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 2016, as

Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and “Light it up Blue Month”

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 30th day of October 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor