(WHITE TWP., NJ – October 8, 2025) - October was proclaimed Dysautonomia Awareness Month by the Warren County Board of County Commissioners to inform the public about a disease that affects more than 70 million people around the world, including some living in the county.

Dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control, and it affects people of any age, race, gender, or background.

A high school senior from Knowlton Township who is living with dysautonomia, Paityn Bates, spurred the County to issue the proclamation and was at the Commissioners meeting with her parents to accept it.

“I really didn’t know what it was before I got the diagnosis,” Bates said, adding, “Illnesses that are invisible aren’t recognized as much as somebody wearing a cast, but they are definitely as important.”

Bates added, “Two weeks ago, I passed out 15 times in one day. That’s why I feel bringing awareness is so important because these are the things you don’t see.” Informing the public about the condition can help so that fewer people have to endure a lower quality of life or are confused about what is wrong with their health.

Praising her “dedication to civic responsibility,” Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski said it was “really impressive to see a young person” working to bring awareness to an issue like this.

“What you’re doing is one of the most important things residents can do, advocacy,” Commissioner James R. Kern III told Bates.

“The more we know, the better we can help those” with the condition, Commissioner Lori Ciesla noted.

While some forms of dysautonomia have manageable symptoms, others can be very disabling and even deadly, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those affected and their loved ones. Increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in the community, the commissioners said.

Pictured during the presentation are (L-R) Commissioner Lori Ciesla,
Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski, Paityn Bates, her mother,
Dawn Bates, and Commissioner James R. Kern III.