Assembly Resolution No. 905

BY: M. of A. Skoufis

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2018, as Myeloma Action 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
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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2018, as Myeloma
Action Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma (or myeloma) is a cancer of plasma cells
in the bone marrow and is called "multiple" because it can occur at
various sites in the body; and

WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma causes a variety of adverse health
effects, including a weakened immune system, anemia, kidney damage, and
bone deterioration; and

WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer
worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Currently, multiple myeloma affects more than 100,000
people in the United States, with about 30,330 new cases diagnosed and
12,650 deaths from the disease in 2016 according to the National Cancer
Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; and

WHEREAS, Once predominantly found in those 65 years old and over,
where it continues to be most frequently diagnosed, multiple myeloma is
increasingly being identified in younger individuals including those in
their 30s, 40s and 50s; and

WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma is almost twice as likely to occur among
African-Americans and is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths
among them, with scientific understanding of the disparity remaining
unknown; and

WHEREAS, The cause of multiple myeloma is not known, with robust
research being performed in the United States and internationally into
potential genetic, environmental, and other risk factors; and

WHEREAS, Additional new drugs and therapies are in the research
phase, with patient enrollment in clinical trials playing an important
role in determining safe and effective treatments; and

WHEREAS, Understanding and treatment of multiple myeloma has been
greatly furthered by the role of advocacy initiatives promoting
awareness, education, research, peer review, and collaboration and such
efforts are to be highly commended; and

WHEREAS, Greater awareness of multiple myeloma on the part of
clinicians and the general public can lead to earlier detection and
treatment, improving health outcomes and bringing comfort to patients
and their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2018, as Myeloma
Action 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.