Lissencephaly 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, lissencephaly is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation that causes the brain to have less or no ridges and folds making it appear smooth; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that about 1 in 100,000 individuals are born with this condition; and

WHEREAS, people living with lissencephaly may suffer from hypertonia, epilepsy, swallowing disorders, developmental delays, and more; and

WHEREAS, addressing the complex medical needs of people living with lissencephaly early in life is imperative to helping families successfully care for their children at home and having the education, awareness, and support that is desperately needed; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that one day each year be set apart from the rest and be known as Lissencephaly Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, citizens, patients, caregivers, medical professionals, agencies, and organizations are encouraged to become educated about lissencephaly and to support families on Lissencephaly Awareness Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 8, 2023, as LISSENCEPHALY AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations