Senate Resolution No. 1827

BY: Senator WEBB

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2026, as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum
Disorder Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Neuromyelitis
Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), is an
autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that
primarily targets the optic nerves, spinal cord, and sometimes the
brainstem; and

WHEREAS, NMOSD was once thought to be a form of multiple sclerosis
(MS), but research has clearly established it as a distinct clinical
entity with a unique immunologic profile; and

WHEREAS, NMOSD occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own
cells, sometimes causing permanent disabilities including blindness and
paralysis; and

WHEREAS, Experts now recognize that NMOSD attacks occur when the
immune system mistakenly targets components of the nervous system, most
commonly aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies, which are detected in the
majority of cases; and

WHEREAS, The hallmark features of NMOSD include: Optic neuritis
(ON), an inflammation of the optic nerve leading to eye pain, blurred
vision, or severe vision loss, Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation
across segments of the spinal cord that can cause weakness, paralysis,
sensory loss, and bladder/bowel dysfunction, brainstem symptoms such as
nausea, intractable vomiting or hiccups in some patients, and
neuropathic pain, spasms, and chronic pain syndromes can also persist
long after initial attacks; and

WHEREAS, NMOSD cannot currently be cured, but targeted
immunotherapies and preventive strategies have transformed outcomes, and
acute attacks are often treated with high-dose corticosteroids (like IV
methylprednisolone) and plasma exchange to limit inflammation; and

WHEREAS, As awareness about NMOSD increases, so does its diagnosis
rate; doctors have become more likely to recognize the varying
manifestations of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness among clinicians and patients helps to
shorten the time to accurately diagnose NMOSD, guide appropriate

antibody testing and imaging, optimize early treatment to prevent
irreversible disability, and improve long-term quality of life through
tailored care plans; and

WHEREAS, The NMOSD community is dedicated to increasing awareness
and understanding of this disease in order to promote research, improve
patient care and outcomes, and ultimately find a cure; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder 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.