Duchenne Awareness Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) is a common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births each year; and

WHEREAS, the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, and affects boys, specifically, across all races and cultures; and

WHEREAS, Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin; and

WHEREAS, because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged, and the progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs; and

WHEREAS, approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation, so Duchenne can affect any male; and

WHEREAS, although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne, and people with Duchenne typically only live into their late twenties; and

WHEREAS, because it is a rare disease, one of our greatest tools in the fight to end Duchenne is raising awareness; and

WHEREAS, on September 7, 2023, the seventh World Duchenne Awareness Day will be observed, and Duchenne organizations around the world will raise awareness for all people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 7, 2023, as DUCHENNE AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations