Gastroschisis Awareness Day - Office of the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 2,229 individuals are born with gastroschisis in the United States annually; and

WHEREAS, gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal wall in which the baby’s intestines, and sometimes other organs such as the stomach and liver, stick outside of the body through a hole beside the belly button; and

WHEREAS, gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy when the muscles that make up the baby’s abdominal wall do not form correctly, causing the intestines to be exposed to amniotic fluid and the bowel to become irritated, causing it to shorten, twist or swell; and

WHEREAS, soon after the baby’s birth, surgery will be needed to place the abdominal organs inside the body and repair the defect; and

WHEREAS, after the repair, infants with gastroschisis may have problems with feeding, digestion of food and absorption of nutrients; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by gastroschisis often experience isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and

WHEREAS, Raleigh, North Carolina based Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation (AAGF) is the only non-profit organization for gastroschisis support worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the founder of Avery’s Angels son, Avery John Rauen, passed away due to complications from gastroschisis on July 30, 2009, and this date will commemorate him and all those living with gastroschisis or deceased due to the disease; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2011, as

Gastroschisis Awareness Day

in the State of the 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 27th day of July 2011.

Governor Robert Bentley