The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the third full week in September as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week and the Friday of said week as Noah Fernandes Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Day, in recognition of the number of residents of the commonwealth affected by mitochondrial diseases and the need for increased public awareness, research and support for victims and their families, and to show appreciation for the services being provided in the commonwealth to alleviate the financial and emotional stress of the disease for families with children who are affected by mitochondrial diseases and other developmental disabilities, and recommending that the week and the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6, § 6:15GGGGG