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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 2017 AS WILLIAMS SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Williams syndrome is a genetic disorder that remains virtually unknown to the general public, educators and many doctors; and
WHEREAS,  Williams syndrome affects one in 10,000 people worldwide, including an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States; and
WHEREAS,  Williams syndrome is characterized by medical and developmental delays, cardiovascular disease and learning disabilities; and
WHEREAS,  despite these problems, people with Williams syndrome often have unique abilities, including advanced verbal skills, highly sociable personalities and an affinity for music; and
WHEREAS,  children with Williams syndrome need costly ongoing medical care and early interventions, such as speech or occupational therapy, that may not be covered by insurance or state funding; and
WHEREAS,  as adults, most people with Williams syndrome need supportive housing to live to their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS,  the Williams Syndrome Association sponsors activities that work to increase community awareness and provide financial support for critical research and programs, leading to further insights about the disorder and new treatments for the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize May 2017 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month and encourage citizen participation in volunteer activities to increase local community awareness of Williams syndrome and its effects.