ALPHA – 1 DEFICIENCY AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AAT Deficiency or Alpha-1) is one of the most common, serious, hereditary disorders in the world, and can result in life-threatening liver or lung diseases; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 100,000 Americans carry a single, deficient gene that causes Alpha-1, and may pass that gene on to their children; and
WHEREAS, less than 10 percent of those afflicted by Alpha-1 have been diagnosed, and it takes an average of five doctors and seven years to diagnose Alpha-1 after the symptoms first appear; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the citizens of Wyoming to understand this dangerous, hereditary disorder; and
WHEREAS, increasing Alpha-1 awareness will help to improve the diagnosis and detection of this very serious malady.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVE FREUDENTHAL, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby proclaim May 2008 as
ALPHA – 1 DEFICIENCY AWARENESS MONTH
in Wyoming, and encourage citizens to become better acquainted with this disease and it consequences for many individuals and families in Wyoming.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Executive Seal of the Governor of Wyoming to be affixed this 21st day of April, 2008.