WHEREAS, the month of May has been designated as GBS and CIDP Awareness Month to raise public awareness of Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), rare and potentially catastrophic disorders of the peripheral nerves; and

WHEREAS, the causes of GBS and CIDP remain unknown, and the course and duration of these illnesses are unpredictable; and

WHEREAS, these diseases are characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and often paralysis affecting the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face, frequently requiring months of hospitalization, with patients and families facing an uncertain recovery and some individuals experiencing long-term disabilities of varying degrees; and

WHEREAS, GBS or CIDP can develop in individuals of all ages, regardless of gender or ethnic background; and

WHEREAS, the Guillain-Barre Foundation International (now the GBS/CIDP Foundation International), was founded in 1980 to establish a support network for patients and their families through its national office headquartered in Philadelphia and its 174 chapters made up of more than 45,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, Australia, South America, and South Africa; and

WHEREAS, the Foundation provides educational materials including a comprehensive booklet, "GBS, an Overview for the Layperson," and newsletters as well as funding medical research and conducting symposia; and

WHEREAS, the Foundation's Medical Advisory Board includes leading neurologists in GBS and CIDP research, in rehabilitation medicine specialists, and physicians with lived experience of the disorder; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as MAY GBS-CIDP AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.