Assembly Resolution No. 64

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

HONORING Linda Batwin O'Donovan for her
outstanding advocacy, education, and fundraising
efforts for lymphedema awareness

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in the communities across New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and
individuals committed to helping to improve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Batwin O'Donovan, a resident of Saugerties, New York, for her
outstanding advocacy, education, and fundraising efforts for lymphedema
awareness, in conjunction with the observance of World Lymphedema Day on
March 6, 2021; and

WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day brings awareness to this
often-debilitating disease that millions are born with, but which many
times is the result of cancer treatment, and helps find strength through
collective celebration and is also set aside to honor inspirational
lymphedema patients and advocates; and

WHEREAS, Up to 10 million Americans, and 250 million worldwide, live
with either primary lymphedema or secondary lymphedema, including many
that have received treatment for cancer; and

WHEREAS, Linda Batwin O'Donovan, along with her husband, Gene, began
their fundraising and awareness efforts in 2015, when they joined the
Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) by participating in the
NY Run/Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, Linda Batwin O'Donovan was diagnosed with
lymphedema; and

WHEREAS, Linda and Gene O'Donovan lobbied in Washington, D.C. on
behalf of all New Yorkers living with lymphatic disease; and

WHEREAS, Linda Batwin O'Donovan received LE&RN's Advocate Award at
the 2019 NY Run/Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has worked tirelessly to promote
lymphedema and lymphatic disease education, research and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Linda Batwin O'Donovan continues to be a positive role
model for all lymphedema and lymphatic disease patients; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Linda Batwin O'Donovan for her outstanding advocacy and promotion
of lymphedema education and awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Batwin O'Donovan, and the Lymphatic Education &
Research Network.