Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, stroke occurs at a rate of one in 1600 to 4000 live births each year, and 12 of 100,000 children per year, with stroke being a leading cause of death in children; and

WHEREAS, between 50 and 85 percent of infant and children who have a pediatric stroke will have serious, permanent neurological disabilities, including seizures, paralysis, vision and speech problems, attention and learning difficulties, and may require ongoing speech, physical, occupational, and other therapies; and

WHEREAS, the lifelong health concerns and treatments resulting from pediatric stroke cause a heavy financial and emotional toll on the child, the family, and society; and

WHEREAS, very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stoke since pediatric stroke risk factors, symptoms, prevention efforts, and treatment are often different in children than in adults, and only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke be identified and developed; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis and commencement of treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves chances of recovery and prevention of recurrence;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as PEDIATRIC STROKE AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations