Senate Resolution No. 2619

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2020, as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Celiac Disease
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease affects approximately one in every 133
people in the United States, for a total of 3,000,000 people, including
nearly 130,000 in New York State; the majority of people with celiac
disease have yet to be diagnosed; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease in which
the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and
other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats; this
particular condition results in overall malnutrition; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease is co-morbid with many autoimmune disorders,
including thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1
diabetes, liver disease, collagen vascular disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown; the
intestines contain projections (called villi) which absorb nutrients,
and in undiagnosed or untreated cases, these villi become flattened,
which affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly; the disease can
develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood; and

WHEREAS, For treatment, a lifelong gluten-free diet must be
attained; foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley,
rye, and possibly oats must be eliminated in order for the intestinal
villi to heal; and

WHEREAS, When untreated, celiac disease can cause life-threatening
complications; 97 percent of cases remain undiagnosed and the average
cost of an undiagnosed case is between $5,000 and $12,000 per person;
based on these estimates, undiagnosed celiac disease is conservatively
costing New York State residents more than $725 million annually in
unnecessary medical bills; and

WHEREAS, Delaying diagnosis or not following the diet puts one at
risk for related conditions such as: autoimmune disorders, certain types
of intestinal cancer, fractures, infertility, miscarriage, and
osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, Through public awareness, this Legislative Body seeks to
minimize the devastating effects of celiac disease among all the
citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Celiac
Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further


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