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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, In October of 2017, the National Down Syndrome
3Society (NDSS), the National Association for Down Syndrome
4(NADS), and Gigi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers
5will be celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full
7or partial extra copy of chromosome 21; this additional genetic
8material alters the course of development and causes the
9characteristics typically associated with Down syndrome; and
 
10    WHEREAS, One in every 792 babies in the United States is
11born with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic
12condition; approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome
13and about 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the
14United States each year; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and
16socio-economic levels; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The cause of the extra full or partial chromosome
18is still unknown; maternal age is the only factor that has been
19linked to an increased chance of having a baby with Down
20syndrome; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome have an increased risk
2for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart
3defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's
4disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions; many of
5these conditions are now treatable, so many people with Down
6syndrome lead healthy lives; life expectancy for people with
7Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades -
8from 25 in 1983 to 60 today; and
 
9    WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome attend school, work,
10participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to
11society in many wonderful ways; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Quality educational programs, a stimulating home
13environment, good health care, and positive support from
14family, friends, and the community enable people with Down
15syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling
16lives; therefore, be it
 
17    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
18HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
19recognize the National Down Syndrome Society's October 2017
20celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and be it further
 
21    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
22presented to these organizations as a symbol of our respect and

 

 

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1esteem.