Photo Information: Rep. Bradley Slagh is joined by Ellie Hopke of Zeeland (left) and Brianna Steffen of Chesterfield Township (right) for the adoption of his resolution.

A resolution introduced by Rep. Bradley Slagh, of Zeeland, to recognize families affected by an abdominal birth defect received unanimous support on the House floor this week.

House Resolution 12 declares Jan. 31, 2019 as Omphalocele Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. An omphalocele is a birth defect that prevents the baby’s abdominal wall from closing properly during the course of a pregnancy, which allows for organs to partially or completely protrude outside of the baby’s body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the birth defect occurs in roughly one of every 5,000 live births. After meeting with a young lady from his district, Ellie Hopke, Rep. Slagh said “Ellie’s story of overcoming obstacles is inspiring, and by tirelessly raising awareness, she gives hope and support to affected families who also need to overcome the physical challenges of this condition.”

Ellie was able to visit the state Capitol to witness the House pass Rep. Slagh’s resolution. “I’m most proud to be helping create this awareness day because I know how uncommon and scary this whole process can be,” Ellie said. “I think it’s important to embrace our differences and not hide behind them.” She was joined by her mother Mindy Hopke, of Zeeland. This will be the eighth observance of Omphalocele Awareness Day.

For more information, contact Rep. Slagh by calling (517) 373-0830 or emailing [email protected].

###