Whereas , The condition was first identified by German pathologist, Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890's; and,

Whereas , The cause of Chiari Malformations are unknown, but scientists believe they are either a congenital condition caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development or a genetic condition since CMs may appear in more than one member of a family; and,

Whereas , Symptoms usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood and can include severe head and neck pain, vertigo, muscle weakness, balance problems, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, and sleep apnea ; and,

Whereas , The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is conducting research to find alternative surgical options and to identify the cause of CMs to create improved treatment and prevention plans; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as Chiari Malformation Awareness Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to learn more about this disease and to recognize the importance of finding a cure.