October 2024: Dysautonomia Awareness Month

WHEREAS, dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for "automatic" bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control, and more; and,

WHEREAS, some forms of dysautonomia are considered rare diseases, such as multiple system atrophy and pure autonomic failure, while other forms of dysautonomia are common, impacting millions of people in the US and around the world, such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy, neurocardiogenic syncope, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; and,

WHEREAS, dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race, or background, including many individuals living in Michigan, the US, and all over the world; and,

WHEREAS, some forms of dysautonomia can be very disabling and result in social isolation, stress on the families of those impacted, and financial hardship; and,

WHEREAS, some forms of dysautonomia can result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones; and,

WHEREAS, increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in our community; and,

WHEREAS, Dysautonomia International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages communities to celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October around the world; and,

WHEREAS, we seek to recognize the contributions of the professional medical community, patients, and family members who are working to educate our citizenry about dysautonomia in Michigan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2024, as Dysautonomia Awareness Month in Michigan.