Dysautonomia Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “automatic” bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control and more; and

WHEREAS, dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race or background, including many individuals living in Alabama. Some forms of dysautonomia are considered rare diseases, such as Multiple System Atrophy and Pure Autonomic Failure, while other forms of dysautonomia are common, impacting millions of people in the U.S. and around the world, such as Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, some forms of dysautonomia can be very disabling and this disability can result in social isolation, stress on the families of those impacted, and financial hardship. Dysautonomia can also result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Dysautonomia International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages communities to celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October around the world; and

WHEREAS, Dysautonomia Awareness Month recognizes the contributions of the professional medical community, patients and family members who are working to educate Alabamians about dysautonomia:

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

Dysautonomia Awareness 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 October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor