Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and “Light it Up Green for MD” Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, muscular dystrophy is not a single disease or disorder that effects everyone in the same way but an umbrella term covering more than 52 different types of muscular and 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 since the 1990s, and there are more new drugs expected in the next four years than in the previous five decades in the fight for a cure for neuro muscular 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 the state of Alabama affected by muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases; and

WHEREAS, Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and “Light it Up Green 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 August 2016, as

Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and “Light it Up Green for MD” 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 1st day of August 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor