April 2021: Fabry Disease Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Fabry disease is a progressive, multisystem, inherited disorder that causes children and adults to suffer with many symptoms that diminish their quality of life and may lead to premature death in adults due to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure; and,

WHEREAS, Fabry disease is caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A that results in harmful buildup of lipids in the body and cellular dysfunction; and,

WHEREAS, there is treatment available, but the disease is often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed until after irreversible organ damage occurs; and,

WHEREAS, according to the National Fabry Disease Foundation, Fabry disease is inherited in an X-linked manner and has been estimated to occur in about 1 in 40,000 to 60,000 males and in twice as many females with more varied symptoms than males; and,  

WHEREAS, newborn screening programs are revealing that more babies are being born with Fabry disease due to the early detection of later onset and variable forms of the disease; and,

WHEREAS, health care providers and families should be aware of Fabry disease symptoms and, if suspected, obtain biochemical or genetic testing that can detect the presence of this treatable disorder;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Fabry Disease Awareness Month in Michigan.