Senate Resolution No. 1427

BY: Senator PARKER

RECOGNIZING June 2026, as Scleroderma Awareness
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
importance of health awareness campaigns that educate the public,
advance understanding of disease, support affected individuals and
families, and foster research for improved diagnosis, treatment, and,
ultimately, cures; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize June 2026, as Scleroderma Awareness Month in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, June is designated as Scleroderma Awareness Month, a time
when advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, patients, caregivers,
and communities across the Nation unite to elevate awareness about
scleroderma, a rare autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal
connective tissue growth that can affect the skin, blood vessels, and
internal organs; and

WHEREAS, Scleroderma encompasses a group of related disorders,
including localized forms that affect mainly the skin and systemic
sclerosis that can affect internal organs, each involving immune system
dysfunction, fibrosis, vascular abnormalities, and serious complications
such as pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease; and

WHEREAS, Scleroderma's clinical presentation is varied, and its
diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms overlap with other
conditions; there is currently no known cure for scleroderma, and
management focuses on symptom control, organ protection, and supportive
care; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, more than 300,000 people live with a
form of scleroderma, and the disease can affect individuals of all ages,
genders, and backgrounds; awareness and early intervention are critical
to improving quality of life and clinical outcomes for those affected;
and

WHEREAS, Research indicates that scleroderma disproportionately
affects Black individuals in ways that result in more severe disease
symptoms and poorer outcomes, including earlier age of onset, a higher
frequency of the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis, increased
risk of organ involvement, and higher mortality rates when compared to
white populations; this discrepancy warrants continued research,
outreach, and culturally competent care; and

WHEREAS, Awareness efforts during Scleroderma Awareness Month
include national and local campaigns, educational programming, support
group activities, community events, support services for patients and
families, and opportunities for public acknowledgment such as
proclamations, teal awareness lighting initiatives, and community
dialogues; and


WHEREAS, The National Scleroderma Foundation serves as a leading
force in raising awareness, providing education and support to
individuals and families, advocating for improved care, and fostering a
nationwide network of support groups, including a Black, Indigenous, and
People of Color (BIPOC) scleroderma support group to address
community-specific needs and experiences; and

WHEREAS, The Scleroderma Research Foundation is a national nonprofit
organization dedicated to funding and advancing high-quality scientific
research on scleroderma with the goal of discovering better treatments
and ultimately a cure, supporting clinical study initiatives and
collaboration among top researchers and institutions; and

WHEREAS, During Scleroderma Awareness Month, communities are
encouraged to learn more about this rare autoimmune disease, to support
individuals living with scleroderma, to participate in awareness and
fundraising activities, and to promote equitable access to clinical
care, education, and research opportunities for all, particularly
populations that have experienced disproportionate disease burden; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body recognizes June 2026, as
Scleroderma Awareness Month in the State of New York and reaffirms its
commitment to raising public awareness about scleroderma, supporting
affected individuals and families, advancing research and education, and
addressing health disparities that affect Black and Brown communities;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the National Scleroderma Foundation and the Scleroderma
Research Foundation in recognition of their leadership and service in
support of the scleroderma community.