July 30, 2023: Gastroschisis Awareness Day

WHEREAS, approximately 1 in 2,000 Michigan babies each year is born with gastroschisis, in which the intestines are outside of the body; and,

WHEREAS, many individuals living with gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant impact on their lives, including failure to thrive or slow growth, short bowel syndrome, multiple organ transplants, and long-term feeding issues; and,

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by gastroschisis often feel a sense of isolation, have difficulty obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, have few treatment options, and face problems accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and,

WHEREAS, the cause of gastroschisis is relatively unknown, and patients and their families must bear a large share of the burden for endeavors such as raising funds for research; and,

WHEREAS,  Avery John Rauen, son of the founder of Avery’s Angels, died from complications of gastroschisis on July 30, 2009, and this date is to commemorate him and all others living with or deceased from gastroschisis; and,

WHEREAS, Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation (AAGF) is organizing a nationwide observance of Gastroschisis Awareness Day on July 30, 2023; and, 

WHEREAS, Gastroschisis Awareness Day calls attention to the need for public health tracking, research, and other avenues of support for affected people and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2023, as Gastroschisis Awareness Day in Michigan.