Submitted photo Taking part in a proclamation signing this week at Elkins City Hall are, from left, Moriah Warner, Mayor Jerry Marco, Makenzie Cooper, Silas Cooper, Roxanna Cooper and Terry Cooper.

ELKINS — Mayor Jerry Marco signed a proclamation declaring Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week in Elkins, giving credit to a local boy and his family for making the declaration happen.

“This marks the second year in a row devoting a week to congenital heart disease, thanks to a remarkable young man named Silas and his incredible family,” Marco said. “Their initiative has been pivotal in bringing attention to this cause and their efforts continue to make a meaningful impact on our community.”

Marco signed the proclamation alongside young Silas Cooper, who has Congenital Heart Disease, and his family members Makenzie Cooper, Roxanna Cooper and Terry Cooper.

“They brought the proclamation idea to me the past two years, actually,” Marco said of the Cooper family. “They brought Silas in, and I got to meet with him the past two years. He’s an impressive young man and he’s doing well.

“They have little bracelets that say, ‘Silas Strong,’ and I still had mine from last year, so I wore it for this proclamation as well,” Marco told The Inter-Mountain Tuesday.

“In dedicating this week to congenital heart disease awareness, we aim to draw attention to the strength and courage of individuals like Silas battling this condition,” Marco said. “Let us unite in our commitment to contribute to a community that prioritizes the health and well-being of each and every member.”

The proclamation, for Feb. 7-14, aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting one in every 100 births, city officials said.

“With more than 40,000 babies born with CHD annually, the proclamation emphasizes the importance of ongoing specialized care, as there is currently no known cure for this lifelong disease,” a city press release states. “Despite medical advancements that have allowed 85% of individuals with CHD to live past the age of 18, fewer than 10% of adults with CHD receive the recommended care they need.

“Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week provides a platform for patients and their families to share their experiences and knowledge, educating the general public about the challenges faced by those living with this disease,” states the release. “The proclamation underscores the need for continued medical research to identify the origins and symptoms of CHD, ultimately contributing to improved care and support for individuals affected by this condition.”