Governor Proclaims Craniofacial Acceptance Month 2023

WHEREAS, each year, about 300 newborn children in North Carolina are among thousands of children in the United States who are either born with or develop a craniofacial difference, a structural or physical anomaly of the head and/or face; and

WHEREAS, the most well-known craniofacial difference is cleft lip, which is seen in over 185,000 births a year worldwide; there are many more children that are born with dozens of additional facial differences such as Apert Syndrome, TreacherCollins Syndrome, Crouzon Syndrome, facial palsy, and craniosynostosis, among others; and

WHEREAS, individuals with craniofacial differences and their families often struggle to understand what they are facing and how to move forward in their early stages of life; families are often under emotional and financial strain due to demands resulting from ongoing and expensive medical care and treatment; and

WHEREAS, due to the complexity of craniofacial syndromes, the majority of affected individuals will endure up to 30 - 40 surgeries before they reach adulthood; and

WHEREAS, there is a lack of education and information disseminated to the general public about individuals with facial differences; and

WHEREAS, organizations such as the Children’s Craniofacial Association serve populations affected by craniofacial differences and the professions who care for them; these organizations empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by these facial differences, while working toward the vision of a world where all people are accepted for who they are, and not how they look; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages and recognizes the efforts of organizations, professionals, individuals with craniofacial differences, and families working to ensure a better life for those affected by craniofacial conditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September, 2023, as “CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.