LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim November 2014 as Alpha-1 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2014 as Alpha-1
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is one of the most
common serious hereditary disorders in the world and can result in life-
threatening liver disease in children and adults or in lung disease in
adults; an estimated 100,000 children and adults in the United States
have the severe deficiency; and
WHEREAS, Alpha-1 has been identified in virtually all populations; an
estimated 25 million people in America carry a single deficient gene
that causes Alpha-1 and may pass that particular gene on to their chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Alpha-1 is widely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed; fewer than
10% of those predicted to have Alpha-1 have been accurately diagnosed,
and it often takes an average of five doctors and seven years from the
time symptoms first appear before proper diagnosis is made; and
WHEREAS, Alpha-1 is easily detected using a simple test; it is the
most common known genetic risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD); lung disease is the most frequent cause of disability
and early death among affected persons and is a major reason for lung
transplants; and
WHEREAS, Liver and lung transplants are sought by many individuals
suffering from Alpha-1; detection screenings and educational conferences
will help raise awareness for early identification and organ donation;
and
WHEREAS, It is important to increase awareness of this serious heredi-
tary and misdiagnosed disorder, as well as educate the public and
medical community on Alpha-1 detection and treatment for those affected
by this condition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2014 as
Alpha-1 Awareness Month 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.