WHEREAS, muscular dystrophy is a group of hereditary disorders characterized by a weakening and wasting away of muscles that vary in inheritance pattern, age of onset, initial muscles attacked, and rate of progression; and
WHEREAS, all types of muscular dystrophies result in progressive muscle weakness, from mild weakness to complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used for breathing and/or swallowing; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of Alaska families are affected by muscular dystrophy, which strikes regardless of race, sex, age, or ethnicity; and
WHEREAS, research has recently yielded new medicine to treat four types of Muscular Diseases: Duchenne, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Myasthenia Gravis, and Lou Gehrig’s/ALS; and
WHEREAS, raising public awareness facilitates increased research opportunities and the possible discovery of treatments and cures, as well as bringing in increased funding for support and services for those families affected by muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases; and
WHEREAS, Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month is a special opportunity to educate the public about muscular and neuromuscular diseases and issues faced by the Muscular Dystrophy community.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim August 2019 as:
Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to seek educational opportunities about Muscular Dystrophy and support those whose lives are affected by it.
