Assembly Resolution No. 573

BY: M. of A. Manktelow

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 21, 2019, as
ALS/MND Global Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions 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 June 21, 2019, as
ALS/MND Global Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National ALS/MND Global Day; and

WHEREAS, Every year the International Alliance of ALS/MND
Associations celebrates June 21st as the global day of recognition of
ALS/MND, a disease which affects people in every country of the world;
it does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic
status or religion; for every person diagnosed, the impact of the
disease will be forever felt by their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, June 21 was chosen for this observance because it is when
the summer solstice begins; the solstice signifies a turning point, and
each year the ALS/MND community undertakes a range of activities to
express their hope this day will be another turning point in the search
for cause, treatment and cure of ALS/MND; and

WHEREAS, According to the International Alliance of ALS/MND
Associations, ALS, which is commonly referred to as motor neuron disease
(MND) outside of the United States, affects an estimated 350,000
individuals around the globe and kills more than 100,000 annually; there
are approximately 140,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year, that
is 384 new cases every day; and

WHEREAS, ALS/MND can impact anyone, anywhere, regardless of age,
however, it is more often found in the 40-70 year age group; only 10% of
cases are familial with the remaining 90% sporadic; and

WHEREAS, ALS/MND is characterized by progressive degeneration of the
motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; the motor cells control
the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, breathe, and swallow;
with no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms may include muscle weakness and paralysis, as well
as impaired speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Progress is generally
rapid, with an average life expectancy of between two and five years
from the onset of symptoms; and

WHEREAS, The disease affects each individual differently and can
have a devastating impact on family, careers, and friends; the rapidly
progressive nature of the disease requires constant adaptation to
increasing and changing levels of disability, which in turn require
increased levels of support; and


WHEREAS, ALS/MND Global Day increases the public's awareness of
patients' circumstances and acknowledges the terrible impact this
disease has not only on patients but on their families as well; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 21, 2019, as
ALS/MND Global 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.