HomeMy WebLinkAboutInternational Ataxis Awareness Day_9.25.2009
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, the National Ataxia Foundation strives to meet the goals of:
1. Location of patients and persons at risk. NAF encourages a complete neurological
examination to make early and correct diagnosis.
2. Increased awareness about ataxia. NAF ensures that accurate information about
ataxia will be available through a variety of educational programs for physicians,
allied health professionals, and the public.
3. Prevention of the spread of these disorders. NAF encourages genetic counseling to
help affected individuals and families make informed decisions about family
planning.
4. Research. In addition to its own research efforts, the NAF supports those research
projects that are designed to better understand the pathology and cause of the
ataxias, or to institute new treatments based upon scientific data.
WHEREAS, an estimated 150,000 individuals are affected by hereditary and sporadic
ataxia in the United States; and
WHEREAS, ataxia is an often fatal degenerative neurological disorder that affects
balance, coordination and speech; and
WHEREAS, ataxia can strike anyone at any time, without regard to age, gender, race or
creed; and
WHEREAS, there is no known cure, the only defense is research and prevention
through education.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR of the City of Georgetown,
Texas, in recognition of this event, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2009 as
INTERNATIONAL ATAXIA AWARENESS DAY
in Central Texas, and urge all citizens to honor and support those individuals with ataxia and
their caregivers, in the hope that a cure will soon be found.
