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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 24, 2017 03:09 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Matthew D. Bradford |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Designating March 6, 2017, as “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Awareness Day” |
| In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution to recognize March 6, 2017, as “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a congenital heart defect which causes the left side of the heart to be underdeveloped and affects the flow of blood through the heart. Symptoms of hypoplastic left heart syndrome include blue or purple tint to lips, skin and nails; difficulty breathing and feeding; and lethargy, such as sleepiness or unresponsiveness. Although hypoplastic left heart syndrome can be diagnosed before birth, sometimes diagnosis happens hours or days after birth and the infant will need therapy immediately, as hypoplastic left heart syndrome is almost always fatal without early intervention. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and children require life-long care and possibly additional open heart surgeries. A young constituent of mine, Michael Richard Winchester, passed away from complications of hypoplastic left heart syndrome on March 6, 2017, just two weeks before his third birthday. Michael inspired many to raise awareness and supportive resources for children with congenital heart disease. In his memory, we must continue to further the cause and bring attention to hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its impact on Pennsylvania’s children. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. Thank you. |
Introduced as HR731