4p-/Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day

WHEREAS, the good health and general well-being of the people of the state of Alabama is strengthened by our awareness and understanding of a genetic disorder known as 4p- syndrome, with Wolf-Hirschhorn as the main syndrome; and

WHEREAS, children with 4p- syndrome are usually born with low birth weight and develop slowly, both cognitively and physically, compared to their same-age peers, and experience medical complications while still maintaining pleasant and lovable personalities; and

WHEREAS, between 85 and 90 percent of all cases of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome are not inherited. They result from a chromosomal deletion that occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells  or in early embryonic development; and

WHEREAS, dedicated professionals are presently involved in valuable research to explore new therapies and diagnostic tools, and to offer hope to persons with 4p- syndrome; and

WHEREAS, the 4p- Support Group estimates that approximately 1,000 individuals in the United States have 4p- syndrome, though it is thought many remain undiagnosed:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 16, 2015, as

4p-/Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama.