Governor Proclaims 4p-/Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day 2024

4P-/WOLF-HIRSCHHORN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a genetic disorder caused by partial deletion of chromosome 4, also known as 4p-, with symptoms that may include extremely wide-set eyes with a broad nose, a small head, low-set malformed ears, heart defects, and other physical disabilities; 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; and

WHEREAS, dedicated professionals conduct valuable research to explore new therapies and diagnostic tools to offer hope to people with 4p- syndrome; and

WHEREAS, the 4p- Support Group estimates that approximately 1,000 individuals in the United States have 4p- syndrome, though many remain undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, 4p-/Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day was created to highlight the importance of research and understanding of the syndrome and to encourage support for effective diagnostic screenings and development of improved therapies for early intervention and other necessary and critical treatments; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina commends families, advocates, and caregivers of those with 4p- syndrome for their efforts to raise awareness of this disorder and for helping medical professionals to advance knowledge and awareness of this syndrome;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 16, 2024, as “4P-/WOLF-HIRSCHHORN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

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Roy Cooper

Governor

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.