Friedreich’s Ataxia Awareness Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare neuromuscular disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood; and

WHEREAS, it is one of 7,000 rare diseases that afflict a total of about 30 million Americans; and

WHEREAS, Friedreich’s ataxia causes muscle weakness and loss of coordination in the arms and legs, impairment of vision, hearing and speech; scoliosis, diabetes, and heart condition; and

WHEREAS, although there is still no treatment available at this time, patients and families with Friedreich’s ataxia have more and more reason for real hope; and

WHEREAS, recent research findings followed the identification of the Friedreich’s ataxia gene in 1996 and, since that discovery, research scientists have learned a great deal about the disorder; and

WHEREAS, we now know what defects in the gene cause the disease, what protein the gene produces, what that protein is supposed to accomplish, and why a shortage of the protein results in the cell death that leads to the disease symptoms; and

WHEREAS, scientific investigators are increasingly optimistic that they are drawing very close to developing effective treatments:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October, 27^th, 2016, as

Friedreich’s Ataxia 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 1^st day of February 2016.

Robert Bentley
Governor