2017-0334
Title
Proclamation: "Dwarfism Awareness Month"
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, skeletal dysplasia is the medical term for what many people refer to as dwarfism. It is caused by a genetic mutation which can occur spontaneously at the time of conception or can be inherited; and,
WHEREAS, dwarfism is defined as a condition of short stature, with the typical height range of persons with dwarfism being between 2'8" to 4'5". Eighty percent of persons with dwarfism have average height parents, siblings, and family members; and,
WHEREAS, the term "midget" is antiquated and is considered inappropriate and offensive to people with this dwarfism; the preferred terminology is "person of short stature", "having dwarfism", or "little person"; and,
WHEREAS, the medical prognosis for people with dwarfism varies from condition to condition, and with the severity of that condition in each individual; the majority of persons with dwarfism enjoy average life spans and reasonably good health; others will require surgeries or other medical interventions to address complications and maximize their mobility; and,
WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism are able to function equally as average-height people and capable of participating in sports, driving, traveling, having fulfilling careers, and families; and,
WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism can turn to support organizations such as Little People of America ("LPA"), a national nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families; and,
WHEREAS, persons with dwarfism contribute to the strength of our economy and they make the world a better and diverse place.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2017 AS
"DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH"
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING AWARENESS OF DWARFISM.
LARR...
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