Fabry Disease 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:

Fabry Disease Awareness Month

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.