LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim the week of September 25, 2016, as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine
Glioma Awareness Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks 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 the week of September 25, 2016,
as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Week in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG's) are highly aggres-
sive and difficult to treat brain tumors found at the base of the brain;
they are glial tumors, meaning they arise from the brain's glial tissue
which is tissue that is made up of cells that help support and protect
the brain's neurons; and
WHEREAS, These are found in an area of the brainstem, the lowest,
stem-like part of the brain, called the pons which controls many of the
brain's most vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure and heart
rate; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms include double vision, inability to close the eyel-
ids completely, drooping one side of the face, and difficulty chewing
and swallowing; and
WHEREAS, DIPG affects 200 to 400 children in the United States each
year; and
WHEREAS, Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in
children; and
WHEREAS, DIPG is the second most common malignant brain tumor of
childhood; and
WHEREAS, The median survival is only 9 months; 5-year survival is less
than 1 percent; and
WHEREAS, Prognosis has not improved for children with DIPG in over 35
years; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body supports expanded research to better
understand DIPG, develop effective treatments, and provide comprehensive
care for children with DIPG and their families; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim the week of September
25, 2016, as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Week 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.