WHEREAS, Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder that affects over 300,000 individuals in the United States and was first identified in the 1890s by Austrian pathologist Professor Hans Chiari; and

WHEREAS, Chiari malformation affects one in every 1,000 people and is nearly as prevalent as multiple sclerosis, a widely recognized neurological condition; and

WHEREAS, Chiari malformation is a condition in which a part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typical, which causes brain tissue, specifically the cerebellum, to grow downward and press against the base of the skull, blocking the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid; and 

WHEREAS, symptoms usually develop during adolescence or early adulthood and may include severe headaches, neck pain, vertigo, muscle weakness, balance and coordination difficulties, vision impairment, difficulty swallowing, and sleep apnea; and

WHEREAS, while the exact cause of Chiari malformation remains unknown, researchers believe it may be congenital, potentially resulting from exposure to harmful substances during fetal development, or genetic, as it can occur in multiple members of the same family; and

WHEREAS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, continues to advance research on Chiari malformation to identify alternative surgical options, determine its causes, and improve treatment and prevention strategies; and

WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to educate the public about this condition, promote early detection, and support ongoing research into effective treatments; and

WHEREAS, the 17th annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America will take place at locations across the country, including several in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by this disorder;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2025, as CHIARI MALFORMATION AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.