A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Celebrating the sixty-eighth anniversary of the Little People of America.

WHEREAS, the Little People of America, Inc., a non-profit organization, is the nation's largest and oldest organization for people with dwarfism; and

WHEREAS, dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that results in shorter stature of the affected person; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are two hundred people living in South Dakota with dwarfism, and sixty-five thousand people living with dwarfism in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the popularity of, and the need for, Little People of America is at a historic high, growing from twenty members in 1957, to more than seven thousand five hundred in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Little People of America annually hosts national conferences that allow little people to meet others with the same medical conditions and families of little people to interact with each other; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota's little people are part of the Little People of America district nine, and contribute to the success of the district by providing ideas, advocating for others, and attending events; and

WHEREAS, the Little People of America is dedicated to improving the lives of those with dwarfism and provides guidance on adoption, parenting, medical needs, educational scholarships, and advocacy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundredth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the Little People of America organization is celebrated for its sixty-eight years of service to its members and community.