WHEREAS, Fabry disease is a progressive and potentially life‑threatening inherited disorder caused by variants in the GLA gene, leading to a harmful buildup of lipids in multiple organs and systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, and the nervous, auditory, and digestive systems; and

WHEREAS, individuals with Fabry disease often experience chronic pain in their extremities, reduced ability to perspire, heat intolerance and overheating, and gastrointestinal complications beginning in childhood; and

WHEREAS, adults with Fabry disease may also face an increased risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, lung disease, and hearing loss at relatively young ages; and

WHEREAS, newborn screening for Fabry disease is conducted in several states, and studies indicate a higher prevalence—approximately 1 in 4,128 newborns—than the previously estimated 1 in 50,000, suggesting that many children and adults remain undiagnosed and untreated; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis through genetic testing and timely treatment is essential to reducing adverse health outcomes and preventing life‑threatening complications, and there are currently three FDA‑approved treatments available that can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of organ damage;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 2026, as FABRY DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.