Governor Proclaims Gastroschisis Awareness Day 2023

WHEREAS, roughly 1 in every 1,953 babies born in the United States and in North Carolina has gastroschisis, an abdominal defect with herniation of gut and possibly liver and stomach; and 

WHEREAS, many Americans living with gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant impact on their lives, including but not limited to failure to thrive/slow growth, short bowel syndrome, multiple organ transplants, and long-term feeding issues; and

WHEREAS, younger teenage mothers may be more likely to have a baby with gastroschisis than older mothers, and women who consume alcohol or smoke before or during early pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby with gastroschisis; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by gastroschisis often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and

WHEREAS, the cause of gastroschisis is relatively unknown, and research is still being conducted to further understand this rare condition; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of residents of North Carolina are among those affected by gastroschisis; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages residents to educate themselves about gastroschisis and its symptoms to be diagnosed earlier and receive necessary treatment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2023, as “GASTROSCHISIS AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.