Proclamation 4989 -- Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week, 1982
October 22, 1982
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease marked by progressive weakness and abnormally rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles. An estimated 100,000 Americans suffer from this cruel disease, and experts say that there may be as many as 100,000 others in whom the condition is as yet undiagnosed.
No respecter of age, racial origin, or class, myasthenia gravis strikes all elements of society. Formerly, many people with this disease died within the first few years of the illness. Today, a number of therapeutic approaches exist that give thousands of patients marked relief and allow them time to live normal life spans.
This remarkable progress has come about largely through research sponsored by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, Inc. and from the persistent efforts of scientists in both private and federal research institutions.
Until the cause of myasthenia gravis is discovered and a cure for it found, however, we cannot count the battle against this crippler won. There is a continuing need to intensify research on myasthenia gravis and to focus public attention on the plight of those who suffer from this condition. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 197, has designated the period October 17 through October 23, 1982, as ``Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week.''
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning October 17, 1982, as ``Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week,'' and I call upon Government agencies and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:57 a.m., October 22, 1982]
Proclamation 4990 -- Head Start Awareness Month
October 22, 1982
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since its establishment in 1965, the National Head Start Program has helped over eight million low-income pre-school children and their families. In so doing, it has earned recognition and support for its success in early childhood education and development.
Equally important, the health and nutrition aspects of the program have improved the prevention, detection, and treatment of children's medical, dental, and nutritional problems, thereby removing barriers to growth and learning.
Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of Head Start has been the involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community. Their commitment and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a ``head start'' in life.
For these reasons, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 588, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the month of October 1982 as Head Start Awareness Month.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of October as Head Start Awareness Month. I call on Head Start centers and other educational and community groups to call attention to Head Start activities with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 22nd day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:38 a.m., October 25, 1982]