PRINTER'S NO. 389
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
39
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, BROWNE, ARGALL, MENSCH, VOGEL, PHILLIPS-
HILL, BARTOLOTTA, J. WARD, LANGERHOLC, SCAVELLO, ROBINSON,
DiSANTO, PITTMAN, STEFANO, MASTRIANO, KEARNEY, KANE AND
FONTANA, MARCH 11, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 11, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating March 21, 2021, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in
approximately 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide according to the
World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, Down Syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 700 live
births in the Untied States according to the Centers for Disease
Control and prevention; and
WHEREAS, It is difficult to determine the number of
individuals currently living with Down syndrome worldwide,
however, some sources estimate the number to be more than 6
million; and
WHEREAS, The most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21,
is due to an error in cell division, just prior to or during
conception, with the 21st chromosome dividing in three instead
of two, resulting in a person being born with 47 instead of 46
chromosomes in each cell; and
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WHEREAS, Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical and
occupational therapies and quality education programs enable
individuals with Down syndrome to adapt and thrive; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to advances in medical treatments and
continuing research, life expectancy for individuals with Down
syndrome worldwide has increased dramatically, with a large
majority living beyond 50 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with Down syndrome consistently prove
their ability to overcome obstacles; and
WHEREAS, With interventions and programs and the support of
family and community, individuals with Down syndrome attend
school and participate in postsecondary opportunities, with many
going on to college, obtaining full-time employment, entering
into marriage and fully participating in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Individuals living with Down syndrome have excelled
in various fields, including becoming global influencers,
fashion designers, lobbyists, accomplished musicians, teachers,
leaders of large nonprofits and small business entrepreneurs;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate March 21, 2021, as "World
Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania; and be further
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the numerous
contributions that individuals with Down syndrome and their
families make not only in our great Commonwealth, but across the
globe.
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