Assembly Resolution No. 615

BY: M. of A. Fahy

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2023, as Scleroderma Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
official months established to increase awareness of serious diseases
that affect the lives of citizens of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2023, as Scleroderma Awareness
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Scleroderma Month; and

WHEREAS, Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involve
hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 300,000 individuals in the United States are
diagnosed with scleroderma; and

WHEREAS, Scleroderma may affect the skin, blood vessels, internal
organs, and the digestive tract, and the signs and symptoms vary for
each type of scleroderma; and

WHEREAS, Scleroderma affects women more often than men, most
commonly occurs between the ages of 25 and 55, and can occur in children
and infants; and

WHEREAS, While there currently is no cure, a variety of treatments
can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness of scleroderma, particularly among health
care professionals, is essential for faster diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, The Ann Steffens Scleroderma Research Foundation, based in
the Capital District, is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving
and improving the quality of lives through scleroderma education and
awareness, and research; and

WHEREAS, This month is designated to raise public and professional
awareness of scleroderma, provide support to patients and their
families, and to promote more research to find improved treatments and
eventually a cure; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2023, as Scleroderma
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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and to the Ann Steffens Scleroderma Research Foundation.