WHEREAS, gastroschisis is a rare birth defect in which the baby’s intestines protrude through a hole in the abdomen and appear outside the body; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 1 in 2,229 individuals are born with gastroschisis in the United States and 1 in 2,174 individuals are born with this disease in North Carolina annually; and
WHEREAS, many Americans living with gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions, such as slow growth, short bowel syndrome, long term feeding problems and other life-threatening abdominal issues that require multiple surgeries and possible organ transplants; and
WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by gastroschisis often experience a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis and limited or inaccessible treatment options; and
WHEREAS, the causes of gastroschisis are relatively unknown, and patients and their families take on much of the fundraising efforts for research to better understand, diagnose, and treat the disease; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation (AAGF) in raising awareness of this rare congenital disorder and encouraging people to support those and their families affected by gastroschisis in our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2021, as “GASTROSCHISIS AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.