LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim October 17, 2009, as Lymphedema Education and Awareness Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor David A. Paterson to proclaim Saturday, October 17, 2009, as Lymp-
hedema Education and Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunc-
tion with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Each year, Lymphedema Education and Awareness Day will occur
in New York State to honor patients and to raise awareness of the sever-
ity of this condition; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema, the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, may occur
either as primary lymphedema which may be congenital, or secondary lymp-
hedema which may occur as a result of surgery or treatments; this condi-
tion causes swelling in the arms, legs, genitalia, and/or other areas of
the body, and afflicts more than 2.5 million men and women nationwide;
and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema may last for a few weeks or months, may recur
after any period of time, or it may last a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, The swelling caused by lymphedema can lead to severe
infection, disfigurement or loss of the use of limbs; patients suffering
from lymphedema must endure physical discomfort and disfigurement and
cope with the stress caused by these symptoms; and
WHEREAS, The single largest group of people who endure lymphedema,
more often referred to as secondary lymphedema, are cancer patients,
including breast, prostate, testicular, gynecological, head, neck, lung,
sarcoma, and melanoma patients; and
WHEREAS, The health, well-being, quality of life, and potential for
cure for numerous lymphedema patients should not be jeopardized because
of their lack of awareness; it is imperative to increase public know-
ledge regarding prevention and treatment of lymphedema and to stress the
necessity for physical therapy or occupational therapy to attain the
goal of normal living; and
WHEREAS, Recent studies have indicated that nearly 20 percent of
breast cancer patients will get lymphedema after surgery and radiation;
and
WHEREAS, According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 10
million Americans living after a diagnosis of cancer, of which about
2,290,000 are breast cancer survivors; and
WHEREAS, Research in all areas of lymphedema has been notably limited;
currently, no drug or effective surgical treatment exists for lymphede-
ma; and
WHEREAS, The current lymphedema treatment is Complete Decongestive
Therapy, which consists of manual lymph drainage (MLD) by specially-
trained therapists, compression therapy with short-stretch bandages and
compression garments, decongestive exercises and skin hygiene is rela-
tively unknown and unavailable to the vast majority of the public; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical, and psychological
impact that lymphedema has on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the
citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals
living and coping with this debilitating condition; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim October 17, 2009, as
Lymphedema Education and Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.