International Ataxia Awareness Day

WHEREAS, the National Ataxia Foundation strives to meet the goals of the location of patients and persons at risk; increased awareness about ataxia; prevention of the spread of these disorders; and research; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 150,000 individuals are affected by hereditary and sporadic ataxia in the United States; and

WHEREAS, ataxia is an often fatal degenerative neurological disorder that affects balance, coordination and speech; and

WHEREAS, ataxia can strike anyone at any time, without regard to age, gender, race or creed; and

WHEREAS, there is no known cure; the only defense is research and prevention through education; and

WHEREAS, the NAF encourages a complete neurological examination to make an early and correct diagnosis; the NAF assures that accurate information about ataxia will be available through a variety of educational programs for physicians, allied health professionals and the public; and the NAF encourages genetic counseling to help affected individuals and families make informed decisions about family planning; and

WHEREAS, in addition to its own research efforts, the NAF supports those research projects that are designed to better understand the pathology and cause of the ataxias, or to institute new treatments based upon scientific data; the NAF helps to coordinate research efforts into the causes and early detection of ataxia through existing centers throughout the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, I Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2012 as

International 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 25th day of September 2012.

 

      

Robert Bentley, Governor