WHEREAS, Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a rare disease that is known to cause muscle weakness and wasting; and
WHEREAS, LGMD most commonly affects proximal muscles, or those closest to the torso, including the shoulders, upper arms, pelvic area, and thighs; and
WHEREAS, LGMD is among a group of hereditary, genetic, neuromuscular disorders with over 30 sub-types currently identified; and
WHEREAS, LGMD occurs among all ethnic groups, affecting both men and women; symptoms can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood; and
WHEREAS, LGMD is a progressive, serious, and debilitating condition that has a significant impact on the lives of those affected; and
WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by LGMD often experience problems such as diagnosis delay, difficulty finding a medical expert, and lack of access to treatments or ancillary services; and
WHEREAS, whileresearch is ongoing and important advances are being made every day in understanding the genetic causes for the disease, there is still no known cure or treatment; and
WHEREAS, many patients and families affected by LGMD bear a large share of the burden of raising public awareness to support the search for treatments; and
WHEREAS, a global collaborative of LGMD-focused foundations and individuals living with LGMD has organized a global day of awareness on September 30, 2023, and patients, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and others in the state of North Carolina will participate in this observance;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2023, as “LIMB-GIRDLE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.