AARP Honors Legislators

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

THE EDMOND SUN

NEWS | A3

BRIDGE
FROM PAGE A1

FLAPJACKS: Lucas wasn’t diagnosed until he was 18 months old
FROM PAGE A1

and stripe the new pavement,” Sharpton said. The former two-lane bridge at Broadway and Camp was demolished in July for being too narrow for oncoming traffic. A modern 227-foot concrete structure replaced the 73-yearold structure with 12-foot lanes and 4.5-foot shoulders, Sharpton said. Bridgeco Contractors Inc. was the low bidder for the $1.12 million project. Eighty percent of the cost of Sharpton the Broadway bridge replacement project was approved for federal funding through the Surface Transportation Program. The remaining 20 percent match was through the County Bridge and Road Improvements fund, Sharpton said. “The final task ODOT completed before officially opening the roadway was erecting a stop sign at the newly paved intersection of Camp and Broadway,” Sharpton said. “Sodding the site will take place within the next few weeks but this should not interfere with use of the road.” Sharpton said he appreciates the public’s understanding of the project while the improvement was made. He also commended the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for having conscientious oversight of the project. “Broadway is one of the most heavily traveled major collector routes in Logan County, second only to I-35,” he said. [email protected] | 341-2121

of Lucas Snow. “With mosaic Trisomy 21, better known as Down syndrome, often the physical markers are not present and therefore mosaic Trisomy 21 goes undiagnosed simply because the physician isn’t cued to do genetic testing. Lucas wasn’t diagnosed until he was 18 months old by Dr. William Bondurant of Mercy Health Signal Ridge. This late diagnosis is very unfortunate and scary because with any form of Down syndrome there are many health concerns that a person must get screened for.” Lucas and his parents currently reside in Georgia but are Oklahoma natives. The

event has been organized by Lucas’s aunt, Becky Sunderland, and his grandparents. “We want to do this for Lucas because mosaic is a rare form of Down syndrome and we want to help bring awareness,” Sunderland said. World Down Syndrome Day is March 21. Down syndrome occurs when there are three copies of the 21 chromosome, which is why awareness is highlighted on March 21. “What this means to our family is pretty simple. It means that we aren’t the only ones that care about Lucas and others that have this rare form of mosaic Down syn-

drome. Most people aren’t even aware that there are four different types of Down syndrome, let alone what they are,” Snow said. “Leaving a child that hasn’t been receiving the proper health care attention and necessary screenings for health concerns such as Alzheimer’s, heart defects and leukemia. Our goal with events like these is to raise money for an organization that provides this information to the people that need it: The families, the healthcare providers and the public.”
FOR MORE information on mosaic Trisomy 21, visit

www.imdsa.org or www.idscforlife.org.

AARP honors legislators
OKLAHOMA CITY — With more than 410,000 members across the state, AARP Oklahoma was at the state Capitol Thursday in full force, advocating for Oklahomans age 50 and older and outlining the group’s 2013 priorities for this legislative session. At AARP’s annual legislative breakfast in Edmond, an event that attracted seniors from across the state, the group Thursday called for legislative changes to improve accountability and oversight at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ seven, state-operated veterans’ centers. Other key legislative priorities include efforts to combat senior hunger, grandparental visitation rights, longterm care reforms, as well as increasing consumer protections and improving health and safety. “Last year, it was heartbreaking to learn of widespread abuse and neglect in Oklahoma’s veterans centers. Oklahoma veterans deserve better and we’re pleased to support the efforts of Sen. Frank Simpson and Rep. Pat Ownbey to improve oversight of these facilities,” said AARP Oklahoma State President Marjorie Lyons. “We look forward to continuing to discuss our top legislative priorities with our legislators, and explaining why it is so important that they stand up for older Oklahomans.” Also at the breakfast, AARP recognized state Sen. Mike Schulz for his legislative leadership, advocating for Oklahoma seniors. Schulz has long been a supporter of increased protections for Oklahoma’s most frail and vulnerable. Last year, as Majority Floor Leader, he was instrumental in bringing several, crucial long-term care bills supported by AARP Oklahoma to a successful vote in the Senate. One of these measures, House Bill 2582, was heard in the waning hours of session and would not have received a final vote were it not for Sen. Schulz’s efforts to secure final passage. “Sen. Schulz understands the needs of Oklahoma seniors, and he works hard to ensure those needs are met,” Lyons said. “We are grateful for his consistent and bold leadership on the issues that matter most to older Oklahomans and their families.” Later volunteers gathered in the House Gallery as Rep. Harold Wright presented HR 1008, recognizing the valuable role that caregivers play in the lives of elderly Oklahomans and calling for a review of state policies and state programs that address the needs of older adults and caregivers. The resolution passed unanimously, and all House members were made co-authors. A full list of AARP Oklahoma legislative priorities is available at www.aarp.org/ok.

John Gullett
Call to buy new & used Cadillacs (405) 226-4382 Bob Moore Cadillac (405) 749-9000
© 2013 THE EDMOND SUN

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