Wear green this Monday to show your support
To the editor:
Monday, Oct. 22 will be the first recognized Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day. Gov. Tom Wolf has signed an official proclamation offering his support after a local family impacted by this syndrome made the request in honor of their daughter Riley who will be 5 years old next month. Proclamations from all 50 states have been requested this year by parent/sibling advocates.
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by a deletion or other structural change of the end of chromosome 22 in the 22q13 region. The most common characteristics found in those with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome are intellectual disability of varying degrees, delayed or absent speech, symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, low muscle tone, motor delays and epilepsy. There is no current cure or treatment specifically, but researchers are working hard to improve our knowledge and to find drugs and therapies that can help those affected.
Please show your community support by wearing green on Oct. 22 and visiting www.pmsf.org to learn more.
Sarah Jacobson
Mifflintown
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