HR0466 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0466 LRB097 12416 KXB 56897 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Jonathan Alexander Wilkins was born with a severe case of Hirschsprung's disease; he had an obstructed colon and was unable to have a bowel movement; in his 2 years of life he underwent 4 major surgeries but lost his battle to live 2 months after his last surgery; and

WHEREAS, Hirschsprung's Disease is a rare congenital (present at birth) abnormality that results in obstruction because the intestines do not work normally; it is most often found in males; it is commonly found in Down Syndrome children; it can be life-threatening or a chronic disorder; the inadequate motility is a result of an aganglionic (without nerve tissue) section of the intestines resulting in megacolon (dilated section of colon); and

WHEREAS, In a newborn, the chief signs and symptoms are failure to pass a meconium stool within 24-48 hours after birth, reluctance to eat, bile-stained (green) vomiting, and abdominal distension; during infancy the child has difficulty gaining weight, constipation, abdominal distension, episodes of diarrhea and vomiting; explosive watery diarrhea, fever, and exhaustion are signs of enterocolitis (inflammation of the colon) and are considered serious and life-threatening; and

WHEREAS, Doctors don't know what causes the disease, but it tends to run in families; it may also be linked to other medical problems, such as Down syndrome and congenital heart disease; and

WHEREAS, Children with Hirschsprung's disease need surgery to remove the diseased part of the large intestine; surgery is often done within the first days or month of life, soon after the disease is found; children with Hirschsprung's disease need 1 or 2 surgeries; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate September 25th as Hirschsprung Disease Awareness Day in the State of Illinois in memory of Jonathan Alexander Wilkins; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the family of Jonathan Alexander Wilkins as a symbol of our respect and esteem.