10-primary immune defPROCLAMATION NO. 2007-10
WHEREAS Primary immune deficiency diseases are disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly; and
WHEREAS, These disorders are caused by intrinsic or genetic defects in the immune system, many of which require chronic replacement therapy consisting of immune globulin administration,
gamma interferon, antibiotic therapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, or gene therapy to protect individuals from frequent life-threatening infections and debilitating illnesses;
and
WHEREAS, There is a 9.2-year delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis resulting in permanent functional impairments; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 primary immune deficiency diseases; and
WHEREAS, The public and the medical community know little about primary immune deficiency diseases that may affect as many as 250,000 people in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Those who suffer from primary immune deficiency diseases and their families can rely on the Immune Deficiency Foundation to provide research, education and advocacy to improve
the diagnosis and treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases; and
WHEREAS, The education of healthcare professionals is necessary to reduce delays in diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Wide spread public support is needed to understand primary immune deficiency diseases; find cures and provide access to all available life-saving therapies; and
WHEREAS, April 29, 2007 will be a special day of awareness for Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness in Huntsville, Texas; and
WHEREAS, Several local vendors and organizations will participate in acknowledging this campaign to help promote awareness; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of Huntsville, Texas that:
APRIL 29, 2007
be declared:
PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY AWARENESS DAY
in Huntsville, Texas, and I do hereby urge all citizens to learn everything they can about primary immune deficiency diseases and to aid and support to the best of their ability those
who are affected by them.
PROCLAIMED AND SIGNED this the 17th day of April 2007.
J. TURNER, MAYOR