Assembly Resolution No. 465

BY: M. of A. LiPetri

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 17, 2019, as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
(Children's Brain Cancer) 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 the children 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 May 17, 2019, as
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (Children's Brain Cancer) Awareness
Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are highly aggressive and
difficult to treat brain tumors found at the base of the brain; and

WHEREAS, They are glial tumors, meaning they arise from the brain's
glial tissue which is tissue made up of cells that help support and
protect the brain's neurons; and

WHEREAS, These tumors are found in an area of the brainstem (the
lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls
many of the body's most vital functions such as breathing, blood
pressure, and heart rate; and

WHEREAS, Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas account for 10% of all
childhood central nervous system tumors; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 300 children in the United States are
diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas each year; and

WHEREAS, While diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are usually
diagnosed when children are between the ages of five and nine, they can
occur at any age in childhood; and

WHEREAS, These tumors occur in boys and girls equally and do not
generally appear in adults; 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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body supports expanded research to better
understand diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, develop effective
treatments, and provide comprehensive care for children with diffuse
intrinsic pontine gliomas and their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 17, 2019, as
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (Children's Brain Cancer) Awareness
Day 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.