Senate Resolution No. 2558

BY: Senator SERINO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2017, as Scoliosis Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which
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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Scoliosis
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Scoliosis Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine which
affects two to three percent of the population, or seven million people
in the United States; most people are diagnosed between the ages of 10
and 15, although people of any age can be afflicted with this disorder;
and

WHEREAS, Severe Scoliosis can have a dramatic impact on a person's
quality of life, as it puts pressure on the heart, diminishes lung
capacity, and limits physical activity; and

WHEREAS, Effective treatment is available once detected by a medical
professional; children who have mild Scoliosis are monitored closely,
and in many cases, no treatment is necessary; in other cases, patients
are required to wear a brace or may need surgery to keep their condition
from worsening; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2008, Scoliosis Awareness Month in the State
of New York unites scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians
and others to create a positive public awareness, education and advocacy
campaign about this affliction; and

WHEREAS, By working together, the Scoliosis community can provide
accurate information and proper perspectives through news media and
community awareness events; furthermore, children and parents can be
given a better understanding of the signs and symptoms, as well as where
to get treatment; and

WHEREAS, Scoliosis Awareness Month helps encourage the sharing of
personal stories and works to connect patients so that no family
affected by Scoliosis needs to go through the experience alone; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Scoliosis
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.