CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE MONTH
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
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 professionals 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, and 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, 2024, as “CRANIOFACIAL ACCEPTANCE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.