State of South Carolina
Governor’s Proclamation
WHEREAS, fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of autism or autism spectrum disorders; and
WHEREAS, over 1.5 million Americans are carriers of a fragile X mutation and thus have, or are at risk for developing, a fragile X-associated disorder, and over 100,000 Americans have fragile X syndrome; and
WHEREAS, fragile X disorders are also associated with tremor/ataxia syndrome, causing tremors, balance deficiencies, and memory problems, ovarian insufficiency, causing reduced fertility or infertility, menstrual deficiencies, and early menopause; and
WHEREAS, fragile X is a powerful research model for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental disorders, and similar conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, reproductive problems in women, and other genetically-based medical conditions; and
WHEREAS, although the genetic defect causing fragile X has been discovered and is easily identified by DNA testing, fragile X frequently goes undetected due to its recent discovery and the lack of awareness about the syndrome, even within the medical community; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness of fragile X with the public and the medical community will help patients with the fragile X gene make better informed medical decisions and help those living with fragile x syndrome to adapt into society and provide significant contributions towards better understanding autism and other fragile X-associated conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Henry McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 22, 2019, as
FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY
throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to work together to raise awareness of the need for early diagnosis and treatment for the disorder as well as continued research to find a cure.
