LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 4, 2014, as Heterotaxy Syndrome 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2014, as Heterotaxy
Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Heterotaxy Syndrome Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, Heterotaxy syndrome is a congenital condition that affects
the development, placement and presence of internal organs; and
WHEREAS, The public is unaware of heterotaxy syndrome, including many
medical professionals; and
WHEREAS, Heterotaxy syndrome affects many body systems and requires a
team of numerous specialists for treatment; and
WHEREAS, Families struggle to educate medical teams and are often the
only common thread between medical specialties; and
WHEREAS, Mortality is high, but due to lack of tracking and research,
the exact numbers are unclear; and
WHEREAS, Those with heterotaxy syndrome who survive to adulthood find
their condition largely unknown to the community; and
WHEREAS, Funding into causes and holistic treatment of heterotaxy
syndrome are low; and
WHEREAS, Heterotaxy Syndrome Awareness Day provides an opportunity for
families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remem-
ber loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to
meet others and know they are not alone; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Heterotaxy Syndrome Awareness Day will
also provide the opportunity to share experience and information with
the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness about
Heterotaxy Syndrome; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2014, as Hetero-
taxy Syndrome 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.