WHEREAS, Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which a hole in the abdominal wall beside the belly button allows the baby's intestines to extend outside of the baby's body. The hole can be small or large, and other organs, such as the stomach and liver, may be found outside of the baby's body as well.

WHEREAS, there are 1 in 2229 individuals born with Gastroschisis in the United States; and

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

WHEREAS, many Americans living with Gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant impact on the lives of those affected including but not limited to failure to thrive/slow growth, short bowel syndrome, multiple organ transplants, and long-term feeding issues; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by Gastroschisis often experience a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing treatment; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by Gastroschisis often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and

WHEREAS, Gastroschisis Awareness Day is an opportunity to come together in support for families and medical professionals and increase awareness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2022, as

GASTROSCHISIS AWARENESS DAY IN NEVADA