LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April of 2011 as Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases Awareness
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April of 2011 as Primary Immune
Deficiency Diseases Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with National Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases Awareness
Month; and
WHEREAS, Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases are rare disorders in
which part of the body's immune system is compromised or is entirely
absent because of intrinsic or genetic defects, causing those with the
disease to be more likely to contract infections than other people; and
WHEREAS, These particular diseases range from very mild to serious,
and many require multiple therapies, consisting of immunoglobulin admin-
istration, gamma-interferon antibiotic therapy, bone-marrow/stem-cell
transplantation, or gene therapy to protect individuals from frequent
life-threatening infections and debilitating illnesses; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 prima-
ry immunodeficiency diseases; today, approximately 250,000 Americans are
affected by Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases; and
WHEREAS, Widespread public support is needed to understand Primary
Immune Deficiency Diseases; it is also needed to find cures, and to
provide access to all available life-saving therapies; and
WHEREAS, The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) is dedicated to
improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for people with
primary immunodeficiency diseases through research, education, and advo-
cacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April of 2011 as Prima-
ry Immune Deficiency Diseases 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, and to the Immune Deficiency Foundation.