October 1, 2024: Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS) Awareness Day

WHEREAS, activated PI3K delta syndrome, or APDS, is a rare primary immunodeficiency that affects approximately 1 to 2 people per million; and,

WHEREAS,APDS is a genetic condition caused by variations in the PIK3CD or PIK3R1 genes; and,

WHEREAS,while people with APDS may experience a wide variety of symptoms, the most common are frequent and severe infections of the ears, sinuses, and upper and lower respiratory tracts, usually beginning in early childhood; and,

WHEREAS,individuals with APDS are susceptible to enteropathy (diseases of the intestinal tract), chronic viral infections, and autoimmune disorders, as well as developmental and growth delays; and,

WHEREAS,APDS is associated with the overproduction of white blood cells, leading to swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and an increased risk to develop blood cell cancers like lymphoma; and,

WHEREAS,APDS has a 7-year median diagnostic delay which can be distressing to families. A shorter time to diagnosis would help provide earlier answers to families' concerns, reduce the chance for misdiagnoses, and allow for appropriate treatments to be started sooner; and,

WHEREAS, APDS can be confirmed through genetic testing. Moreover, since APDS may be inherited from a parent, it is recommended that testing be also offered to at-risk family members of diagnosed individuals;

NOW, THEREFORE,I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2024, as Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS) Awareness Day in Michigan.