Getting a proclamation signed by the governor is not the easiest thing
to do. It involves writing, rewriting and then waiting, but that is exactly
what Andrea Gerloff did. She petitioned Governor Jay Nixon to proclaim June 30th
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) Day in Missouri.
AMC is a general term for the development
of non-progressive contractures (tightening and shortening of muscles and
joints leading to loss of joint motion) affecting one or more areas of the body
prior to birth, according to the American Association of Neuromuscular &
Electrodiagnostic Medicine. The disease results in decreased flexibility to the
joints, which can include muscle weakness or stiff joints.
Gerloff’s hope is to raise awareness and promote learning about a
disease that affects one in every 3,000 live births, she said.
 |
| Gerloff holds the proclamation signed by Governor Jay Nixon making June 30th Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) Day. |
“I’m just hoping it will get out there so people will know what
Arthrogryposis is and how it affects people’s lives,” Gerloff said. “I’m still
learning things about my disability, like 84 percent (of people) are affected
in all four limbs and 16 percent in either the arms or the legs.”
Gerloff who is affected by AMC in all four limbs, uses a motorized
wheelchair for mobility and requires help to remain independent in her home.
“You can’t do everything you’d like to do, like bike riding or going
for a walk,” Gerloff said. “You can go with people, but it’s different because
you’re in the chair.”
As a daily routine, Gerloff relies on her fiancé to help her get
dressed in the morning. During the day she takes online courses toward a degree
in information technology with the intent of web design and development.
However, if Gerloff needs to use the restroom or eat, she must call someone to
come help her.
“Everything I’ve been through, I go around with a smile on my face
every day,” Gerloff said. “There’s no need to be down.”
After a month of waiting, the proclamation finally came in the mail
and Gerloff says she couldn’t have been more excited.
Missouri joins 28 other states that recognize June 30th as
AMC day. 2015 will be the 6th annual celebration, and it is
requested that you wear blue on June 30th in awareness of
Arthrogryposis.
Heartland Independent Living Center is a nonprofit, community based
organization that serves individuals with disabilities in their quest to remain
independent in their own homes. Services
include in-home assistance, home modifications and ramps, adaptive equipment,
transition assistance from institution to home, and dental services. Heartland meets accountability standards and
holds the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal of Approval. For additional
information on their services contact Heartland at 573-437-5100, or visit their
website at www.heartlandilc.org. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartlandilcenter.
###
