SR-135, As Adopted by Senate, March 25, 2010

            Senators Barcia, George, Kahn, Gleason, Hunter, Olshove and Scott offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 135.

            A resolution observing May 2010 as Dandy-Walker Syndrome and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.

            Whereas, The Dandy-Walker Alliance, Inc., is the only national organization focusing on promoting the public good and support education, informational activities, and nonpartisan research that increases public awareness of the congenital birth defect known as Dandy-Walker syndrome; and

            Whereas, Dandy-Walker syndrome is the most common congenital malformation of the cerebellum, and its causes are largely unknown; and

            Whereas, Between 10,000 and 40,000 people have Dandy-Walker syndrome in the United States. The incidence of Dandy-Walker syndrome is at least 1 case per every 25,000 to 35,000 live births. However, this is likely a significant underestimate because of difficulties diagnosing this syndrome; and

            Whereas, The Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Dandy-Walker syndrome may affect as many as 1 in 5,000 live births; and

            Whereas, Patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome present with developmental delay, enlarged head circumference, or signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, Dandy-Walker syndrome affects males and females fairly equally; and

            Whereas, Seizures occur in 15 percent to 30 percent of patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome; and

            Whereas, Subnormal intelligence is manifested in 41 percent to 71 percent of patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome; and

            Whereas, Failure to diagnose Dandy-Walker syndrome with hydrocephalus in a neonate or child can cause serious neurological complications; and

            Whereas, Approximately 70 percent to 90 percent of patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome have hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, Dandy-Walker syndrome accounts for approximately 1 percent to 4 percent of hydrocephalus cases; and

            Whereas, Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain. There is no known cure for hydrocephalus, and it affects an estimated 1 million Americans; and

            Whereas, Over 375,000 older Americans have hydrocephalus, which often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease; and

            Whereas, With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people with hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive lives; and

            Whereas, The standard treatment for hydrocephalus was developed in 1952 and carries multiple risks, including shunt failure, infection, and overdrainage; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body proclaim the month of May 2010 as Dandy-Walker Syndrome and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Delta Community College student Katelyn Dekoski with our highest esteem and encouragement as she successfully lives with Dandy-Walker syndrome.