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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, In October of 2015, the National Down Syndrome
3Society (NDSS) will be celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness
4Month; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full
6or partial extra copy of chromosome 21; this additional genetic
7material alters the course of development and causes the
8characteristics typically associated with Down syndrome; and
 
9    WHEREAS, One in every 691 babies in the United States is
10born with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic
11condition; approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome
12and about 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the
13United States each year; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and
15economic levels; and
 
16    WHEREAS, The cause of the extra full or partial chromosome
17is still unknown; maternal age is the only factor that has been
18linked to an increased chance of having a baby with Down
19syndrome; and
 
20    WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome have an increased risk

 

 

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1for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart
2defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's
3disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions; many of
4these conditions are now treatable, so many people with Down
5syndrome lead healthy lives; life expectancy for people with
6Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades -
7from 25 in 1983 to 60 today; and
 
8    WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome attend school, work,
9participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to
10society in many wonderful ways; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Quality educational programs, a stimulating home
12environment, good health care, and positive support from
13family, friends, and the community enable people with Down
14syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling
15lives; therefore, be it
 
16    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
17NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
18recognize the National Down Syndrome Society's October 2015
19celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month; and be it further
 
20    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
21presented to the NDSS as a symbol of our respect and esteem.