Senate Resolution No. 1640

BY: Senator WALCZYK

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2026, as TAR Syndrome Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
months of awareness for significant medical conditions with hopes of
increasing education as well as supporting research and improved care;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as TAR Syndrome Awareness
Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Thrombocytopenia-Absent Radius (TAR) Syndrome is a rare
congenital condition characterized by thrombocytopenia (low platelet
counts) and bilateral absence of the radius bones in the forearms,
typically with the presence of thumbs, and may include additional
medical complexities; and

WHEREAS, Thrombocytopenia prevents normal blood clotting, resulting
in easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds, with the potential for
life-threatening episodes of severe bleeding in the brain and other
organs; and

WHEREAS, TAR Syndrome may involve lifelong hematologic, orthopedic,
and functional implications that require ongoing medical monitoring,
coordinated care, and adaptive supports to promote health, safety, and
independence; and

WHEREAS, Access to appropriate medical services-including
hematologic monitoring, bleeding-risk management, orthopedic care, early
intervention, and specialty services-can be lifesaving and is critically
important to the long-term stability of individuals living with TAR
Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Thrombocytopenia usually appears during infancy and becomes
less severe over time, with platelet levels often normalizing in later
childhood and into adulthood; and

WHEREAS, The physical findings and severity of TAR syndrome vary
among affected individuals and can include skeletal abnormalities of the
arms, legs, or hips, as well as heart defects, kidney defects, and
difficulty digesting cows milk; and

WHEREAS, Intellectual development is usually normal and long-term
prognosis is positive in children with TAR who survive the first few
years of life; and

WHEREAS, During this month, it is important to educate others about
TAR syndrome and support those affected with this disorder and their
families, as well as promote continued medical research and
advancements; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York affirms the principles of dignity,
equality, and non-discrimination consistent with broadly recognized
human rights standards, including those reflected in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights; and

WHEREAS, Individuals living with TAR Syndrome may be protected under
federal and state disability and civil-rights statutes, and continued
public awareness, accessibility efforts, and faithful implementation of
these protections are essential to ensuring equal opportunity in
education, employment, housing, healthcare, and participation in
community life; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and families affected by TAR Syndrome benefit
from access to comprehensive healthcare services, accessible employment
opportunities, safe and stable housing, adequate nutrition, and
supportive community services necessary to thrive within the State of
New York; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical, and
psychological impact that TAR Syndrome has on those affected, it is
incumbent of the citizens of the State of New York to support the
courageous individuals living and coping with the condition, and to
advocate for life-saving treatments and research; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
tireless advocates and healthcare providers who spend so much of their
time and resources battling this syndrome that affects so many; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as TAR
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.