Gastroschisis Awareness Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, there are one in 2229 individuals born with Gastroschisis in the United States, and roughly the same number born in Alabama annually; and
WHEREAS, many Americans living with Gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant impact on their lives including, failure to thrive/slow growth, short bowel syndrome, multiple organ transplants, and long term feeding issues; and
WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by Gastroschisis often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and
WHEREAS, the cause of Gastroschisis is relatively unknown and patients and their families must bear a large share of the burden for things such as raising funds for research; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of residents of Alabama are among those affected by Gastroschisis; and
WHEREAS, an official Awareness Day proclamation is often the precursor to funding for research and other avenues of support; and
WHEREAS, Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation (AAGF) is organizing a nationwide observance of Gastroschisis Awareness Day on July 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Alabama resident – Emma Caroline Petty- has slow weight gain and developmental issues due to side effects caused by Gastroschisis; and
WHEREAS, the founder of Avery’s Angels son– Avery John Rauen –passed away from complications of his Gastroschisis on July 30, 2009 at UNC hospital, and this date is to commemorate him and all others living with or deceased from Gastroschisis:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2017, as
Gastroschisis Awareness Day
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of June 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor