WHEREAS, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and relatively unknown autoimmune disease that currently has no cure; and

WHEREAS, NMOSD attacks the central nervous system and can cause lifetime
disability, including blindness and/or paralysis; and

WHEREAS, the cause of NMOSD is still a mystery and there are a few approved treatments for the majority of patients with NMOSD; but no treatments for the remainder of patients; and

WHEREAS, when mistaken for other diseases, treatments can exacerbate NMOSD symptoms; and

WHEREAS, increasing awareness about NMOSD has caused diagnoses to rise, as doctors have become more likely to recognize the varying manifestations of the disease; and

WHEREAS, the NMOSD community is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about this disease to promote research, improved patient care and outcomes, and to ultimately find a cure;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim March 2021 as

NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA SPECTRUM DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH