Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0370

HR0370 LRB104 13747 MST 26484 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Williams syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one out of every 10,000 births and is a commonly known genetic cause of pulmonary stenosis; and

WHEREAS, Williams syndrome affects males and females with equal frequency and affects all races and ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, Williams syndrome can cause improper cardiovascular development, often resulting in cardiac defects, which are the major cause of death for individuals with the syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Williams syndrome also causes cognitive and learning disabilities as well as behavioral difficulties, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and struggles with controlling mood regulation; and

WHEREAS, The developmental, medical, and behavioral characteristics of Williams syndrome cause many affected individuals to require constant and lifelong supervision; and

WHEREAS, Studies have shown that there is a high cardiac morbidity rate for individuals with Williams syndrome; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Williams syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis of Williams syndrome allows families to access treatment, assistive services, therapies, and support from health professionals, advocacy organizations, and other families who have loved ones with the syndrome; and

WHEREAS, While beneficial programs, such as therapies and social training, are improving the quality of life for individuals with the syndrome and offer new hope to families, many difficult symptoms associated with Williams syndrome remain untreated; and

WHEREAS, Increased research into Williams syndrome can lead to a better understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an eventual cure for Williams syndrome, and in a time where research is under threat, the importance of medical research is greater than ever; and

WHEREAS, More funding, attention, and research toward Williams syndrome will likely improve our understanding of common public perceptions of genetic disorders, including intellectual disabilities and physical differences; and

WHEREAS, Advocacy organizations have designated May as National Williams Syndrome Awareness Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2025 and May 2026 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois.