THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY FONTANA, ALLOWAY, ARGALL, BAKER, BOSCOLA, BRUBAKER, COSTA, DINNIMAN, EARLL, ERICKSON, HUGHES, KASUNIC, KITCHEN, LEACH, LOGAN, MELLOW, O'PAKE, ORIE, PILEGGI, PIPPY, RAFFERTY, STACK, TARTAGLIONE, WASHINGTON AND WAUGH, MARCH 22, 2010

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 22, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing March 21, 2010, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in

Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Down Syndrome International has officially earmarked

March 21 as "World Down Syndrome Day," selecting the date to

signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication of

the 21st chromosome; and

WHEREAS, The annual observance of "World Down Syndrome Day"

aims to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and

related issues and to mobilize support and recognition of the

dignity, rights and well-being of persons with Down syndrome;

and

WHEREAS, Dr. Langdon Down originally identified Down syndrome

as he noticed similar characteristics among many patients, and

the cause was identified by Professor Jerome Lejeune as an extra

21st chromosome, also known as trisomy 21; and

WHEREAS Originally proposed by Dr. Balbir Singh of Down

Syndrome International, the first events were organized on March

21, 2006, in Singapore, which was selected as the location for

the inaugural "World Down Syndrome Day"; and

WHEREAS, Organizations throughout the nation use "World Down

Syndrome Day" as a way to encourage their communities to focus

on the possibilities and capabilities of individuals with Down

syndrome and other special needs; and

WHEREAS, The day is celebrated through Down syndrome

awareness and education efforts, Down syndrome advocacy and Down

syndrome fundraising to assist local organizations in providing

outreach efforts and resources to individuals and families with

Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Although people with Down syndrome may be at risk

for various medical challenges, appropriate medical

interventions will help them live happy, healthy and productive

lives; and

WHEREAS, Most people with Down syndrome have mild to moderate

cognitive impairment, making the importance of early

intervention services even more of a priority; and

WHEREAS, Many adults with Down syndrome are employed, live

independently or in support settings and are active members of

their communities; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals with Down syndrome are now

successful and famous in their own right, including Karen

Gaffney, author, athlete and activist; Bernadette Resha, artist;

Sujeet Desai, musician and activist; Jason Kingsley, author and

actor; Mitchell Levitz, author and disabilities specialist; and

Chris Burke, actor, singer, speaker and ambassador for the

National Down Syndrome Society; and

WHEREAS, Many of us know people with Down syndrome and they

can be our children, our brothers or sisters, our classmates,

our teammates and our friends; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize March 21, 2010, as "World

Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania and commend individuals with

Down syndrome, their friends and families for celebrating the

uniqueness of Down syndrome through their daily actions and

interactions.