Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day

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, Pitt Hopkins Syndrome is a rare and severe neurological disorder caused by a spontaneous mutation or deletion on the 18th chromosome; and

WHEREAS, Pitt Hopkins Syndrome is characterized by developmental delays, moderate to severe intellectual disability, breathing problems, epilepsy or recurrent seizures, gastrointestinal issues, and distinctive facial features; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1,500 people worldwide have been diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins Syndrome; however, given that the gene was only discovered in 2007, there are likely many other cases that remain undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, given its rarity, online support groups play a pivotal role for individuals, families, and their loved ones to connect and increase awareness; and

WHEREAS, the Pitt Hopkins community annually celebrates September 18th as International Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day to raise awareness and funding for Pitt Hopkins research, and this date was chosen to bring attention to the fact that it is a disorder caused by a spontaneous mutation or deletion on the 18th chromosome;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 18, 2023, as PITT HOPKINS SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations