Governor Proclaims GM1 Gangliosidosis Awareness Day 2023

WHEREAS, GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of physical and developmental abilities, with early onset forms usually fatal in childhood; and

WHEREAS, GM1 gangliosidosis is also a lysosomal storage disorder that arises due to lysosomal defects, causing errors in metabolism and progressively destroying nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; and

WHEREAS, in turn, these errors result in the buildup of excess waste in the cells of the impacted organ or system; and

WHEREAS, the genetic lysosomal defect for those with GM1 gangliosidosis results in a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase, an enzyme needed to break down and recycle a number of biomolecules; and

WHEREAS, GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of physical and developmental abilities; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness, advocacy, and research efforts are critical to helping improve the lives of those affected with GM1 gangliosidosis and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 23, 2023, as “GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.