HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11

PROCLAIMING MARCH 17, 2017 AS "PHELAN-MCDERMID SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is a genetic condition caused by the deletion of the terminal end of chromosome 22 or mutation of the SHANK3 gene; and

WHEREAS, PMS can cause intellectual disabilities, delayed or absent speech, symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, low muscle tone, motor delays, and epilepsy; and

WHEREAS, the first case of PMS was described in 1985, and almost 1,400 cases of PMS have been identified worldwide since that time; and

WHEREAS, many cases of PMS go undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for PMS, and treatment options are limited; and

WHEREAS, individuals with PMS face a lifetime of learning, health and social challenges; and

WHEREAS, the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation advocates on behalf of families affected by PMS across 40 countries; and

WHEREAS, the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation supports research to find treatments that improve the lives of individuals with PMS and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 149th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that March 17, 2017 be proclaimed “Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day” in Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution proclaims March 17, 2017 as "Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day" in Delaware.