November IS Dwarfism Awareness Month in Michigan!

Meeting Governor Jennifer Granholm!! Mary, Me and Knoah!

On November 10, 2009, Knoah and I, along with friend’s Amy and Mary traveled up to Lansing to the House of Representatives for the presentation of the Dwarfism Awareness Resolution.

Our Representative Kate Ebli, unfortunately was ill and was not able to make it to session that day, but in her place she asked Representative Kathy Angerer to announce it. I hope that Rep. Ebli gets well very soon!!!

It was and still is a surreal moment. Knoah’s existence started this, he was the inspiration, he was the MAN!

Looking dabber in his new outfit, complete with mohawk!

I was so worried about him yelling during the session and being loud, which he was. My cousin remarked she heard him yell during the Pledge, which he did….several times!

So, Thank you for all the support and well wishes, but this is not about me or what I have done. It is about all the children who live on this earth, the angels who are watching us from above and the babies who have yet to be born.

Thank you to Rep. Ebli and Rep. Angerer for taking time away from their busy schedules and helping us to make a difference within the State of Michigan and setting an example for the rest of the Nation!

THANK YOU!

In a few weeks there will possibly be a Ceremony breakfast and official presentation of the Resolution here in Monroe County, details to follow as the become available!!

I now present you with the text of the resolution and pictures.

A RESOLUTION RECONIZING NOVEMBER 2009 AS DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

WHEREAS, Dwarfism is a condition characterized by short stature, meaning an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less; and

WHEREAS, Dwarfism can be caused by any one of more than two-humdred conditions, most of which are genetic. The most common type, accounting for 70% of all cases of short stature, is called achondroplasia; and

WHEREAS, Dwarfism is not in any way an intellectual disability. A person who has dwarfism is typically of normal intelligence; and

WHEREAS, Dwarfism is not a disease that requires a “cure”. Most people with the condition can live long, fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, Dwarfism is not a reason to assume someone is incapable of leading a normal and fulfilling life. Little people go to school, go to work, marry, and raise children, just like their average-size peers;, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the members of this legislative body recognize November 2009 as Dwarfism Awareness Month in Michigan; be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of this legislative body urge all Michiganians to use this month as an opportunity to educate themselves about Dwarfism.

State Capital Dome

Knoah and The State Capital

Knoah deciding which Bill to pass

Mary and Knoah

Knoah and his friend Thomas

The boys walking away after taking on the House of Representatives and WINNING!!