WHEREAS, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS) is a life-threatening, lifelong genetic aortic and vascular condition; and

WHEREAS, nearly 80% of individuals with VEDS experience vascular complications, including potentially fatal aortic dissection, by age 40; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 1 in 50,000 individuals (or between 6,000 and 8,000 people) in the United States are born with VEDS; and

WHEREAS, awareness and early diagnosis are key to medical monitoring that allows individuals to experience the best possible outcomes while living with VEDS; and

WHEREAS, it is critically important for first responders, emergency department personnel, and all healthcare providers to be aware of the signs of VEDS as an acute medical emergency that requires immediate CT scan and potential surgical intervention to save lives; and

WHEREAS, through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Virginia seeks to raise awareness of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS) in order to properly diagnose and treat individuals affected by this condition; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2025, as VASCULAR EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.