WHEREAS, trisomy is the presence, within a person’s cells, of an extra set of chromosomes instead of the regular two.

WHEREAS, the most common trisomies in newborns are trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome).

WHEREAS, trisomy pregnancies can present unusual complications and can be more at-risk than non-trisomy pregnancies.

WHEREAS, the life of every child is precious, regardless of the number of chromosomes he or she may possess.

WHEREAS, parents should take advantage of the local support groups and online communities that offer education, encouragement, and counseling for those managing trisomy pregnancies or raising trisomy-affected children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim March 2010 as: Trisomy Awareness Month

in Alaska, and give full support to raising awareness and education for all forms of trisomy, as well as efforts supporting families experiencing trisomy, and to helping people with developmental disabilities achieve their full potential.

Dated: February 25, 2009 by Governer Sara Palin
Dated: March 1, 2010 by Governer Sean Parnell