Whereas, gastroschisis is a birth defect that causes the intestines to protrude from the abdomen and is rapidly increasing in incidence; and

Whereas, 1 in 2,229 individuals are born with gastroschisis in the United States annually; and

Whereas, many Americans living with gastroschisis have serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant impact on their lives, including but not limited to failure to thrive, slow growth, the need for multiple organ transplants, and long-term feeding issues; and

Whereas, individuals and families affected by gastroschisis often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis, few treatment options, and problems related to accessing or being reimbursed for treatment; and

Whereas, the cause of gastroschisis is relatively unknown, and patients and their families must bear a large share of the burden for things such as raising funds for research; and

Whereas, an official awareness day proclamation is often the precursor to funding for research and other avenues of support; and

Whereas, Avery's Angels Gastroschisis Foundation is organizing a nationwide observance of Gastroschisis Awareness Day on July 30, 2013, and every year thereafter; and

Whereas, Avery John Rauen, the son of the founder of Avery's Angels, passed away from complications of his gastroschisis on July 30, 2009, at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill hospital, and this date is to commemorate him and all others living with or deceased from gastroschisis; now, therefore, be it