LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim November 16, 2012, as Myocarditis Awareness Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 16, 2012, as Myocar-
ditis Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Myocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the myocardi-
um, often with subsequent damage to the heart; and
WHEREAS, The disease can affect the muscle cells of the myocardium or
the specialized electrical conduction pathways, leading to irregular
rhythms, very fast or slow heart rates, palpitations or sometimes loss
of consciousness; and
WHEREAS, The tragedy of this disease is that myocarditis usually
occurs in young, otherwise healthy people, however anyone may be suscep-
tible; in fact, almost 20% of all cases of sudden death in young adults
are attributed to myocarditis; and
WHEREAS, Such was the case for 10-year-old Luke Gould from the Town of
West Seneca; Luke showed no signs of any physical conditions; he played
hockey, was an active member of the community, and worked hard at
school; and
WHEREAS, On November 16, 2011, Luke Gould, a healthy boy, passed away
in his sleep; when the autopsy came back, the medical examiner had
declared his cause of death "unknown"; and
WHEREAS, Before allowing the case to be closed, Luke's parents worked
tirelessly to get the medical examiner to look further into the cause of
death; and
WHEREAS, Upon further review and more testing, it was discovered the
cause of Luke Gould's death was myocarditis; and
WHEREAS, There are many causes of myocarditis including viral
infections, autoimmune disorders, environmental toxins and adverse drug
reactions; and
WHEREAS, Myocarditis is a poorly understood, often undiagnosed illness
which can rapidly progress to heart failure and death; with increased
awareness, lives may be saved so other families will not have to feel
the pain and suffering felt by the friends and family members of Luke
Gould; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health crisis, and more must be done to increase activity
at the State, local and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 16, 2012, as
Myocarditis 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.