The Lackawanna County commissioners this month recognized 4-p/Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Awareness Day. From left: Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Thom Welby; Kevin Gallagher, Wolf-Hirschhorn advocate; and Commissioner Chris Chermak. 4-p/Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome occurs as a random genetic/chromosome condition during the formation of the reproductive cells that result in physical anomalies, cognitive and development delays, distinct facial characteristics and intellectual disabilities. Additional complications may involve congestive heart failure, pneumonia and seizures, making it difficult to care for an individual. The syndrome is estimated to occur in 1 in every 50,000 births, with females twice as likely as males to be born with it.
