LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2011 as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those who provide vital health services to individuals and their
families, and in doing so, enhance the health and welfare of the entire
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011 as Prader-Willi
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Present from birth, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a congen-
ital disease characterized by obesity, decreased muscle tone, decreased
mental capacity, and hypogonadism; and
WHEREAS, At first, an infant with PWS will have trouble growing and
gaining weight; because of weak muscles (hypotonia), the infant is not
able to drink from a bottle, and may need special feeding techniques or
tube feedings until his or her muscles become stronger; between ages one
through six years, the child with PWS suddenly develops a tremendous
interest in food, and starts overeating; and
WHEREAS, It is believed that the child with PWS never feels full after
eating, and may actually go on eating binges, which leads to morbid
obesity; and
WHEREAS, PWS Awareness Month, a public education initiative launched
by the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, USA, which focuses on PWS
which is the most common known genetic reason for life-threatening
obesity; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that PWS occurs in one of 12,000 to 15,000
births and that approximately 80% of those who have the disease in the
United States are still unknown to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for PWS; however, the physical problems
caused by the syndrome can be managed; during infancy, special feeding
techniques and formulas can assist the infant in growth; and
WHEREAS, Physical therapy and exercise help improve strength and coor-
dination; speech therapy helps children who are lacking in their
language skills, and as the child grows, eating and weight problems can
be controlled through a balanced, low-calorie diet, weight monitoring,
along with external food restriction and daily exercise; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations which bring greater awareness
to particular health issues, and assist people with specific illnesses
in their quest for dignity and independence, are a great benefit to the
health and welfare of all citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011 as Prader-Wil-
li Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, USA, and to the Prader-Wil-
li Alliance of New York, Inc.