Assembly Resolution No. 1604

BY: M. of A. Fitzpatrick

RECOGNIZING the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation
for its dedicated efforts in raising awareness about
arteriovenous malformation

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
individuals and organizations who work to increase awareness of serious
health concerns 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
recognize the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts
in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation; and

WHEREAS, Paige Elizabeth Keely was born on May 24, 2011, in New
York, and brought immense joy, love, and light to her family, friends,
and community as a vibrant and compassionate child affectionately known
as "Paigey Bean"; and

WHEREAS, On January 8, 2018, at just six years old, Paige Elizabeth
Keely tragically passed away from complications of a ruptured,
undetected brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital
condition that often remains silent until a life-threatening event
occurs; and

WHEREAS, In the wake of this profound loss, Paige Elizabeth Keely's
mother, Gina Keely, and her family established The Paige Elizabeth Keely
Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of
brain AVMs, aneurysms, and other neurological conditions, supporting
affected families, and advancing critical research focused on early
detection and prevention; and

WHEREAS, An arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of blood vessels
that can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, and creates
irregular connections between arteries and veins, ultimately disrupting
blood flow and prevents tissues from receiving oxygen; and

WHEREAS, Tangled blood vessels in an AVM do not form properly and
can weaken and burst, potentially causing bleeding in the brain, which
can lead to a stroke or brain damage; and

WHEREAS, The cause of arteriovenous malformations is not clear; most
individuals with AVMs are born with them, however, these anomalies can
form later in life; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms of brain AVMs include headaches and seizures;
brain AVMs can be found with a brain scan and can be treated to prevent
complications such as hemorrhaging, brain damage, and stroke; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that citizens of New York State and beyond
recognize the symptoms and severity of this condition; and

WHEREAS, The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation has partnered with
leading institutions, including Stony Brook Medicine's Mofakham-Mikell

Laboratory, to advance groundbreaking research into non-invasive imaging
and innovative early detection methods that may help prevent future
tragedies; and

WHEREAS, The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation works with great
passion and foresight to increase public awareness of AVMs and related
neurological conditions, promoting education and screening efforts, as
well as underscoring the importance of continued medical research and
compassionate community support; and

WHEREAS, Through advocacy, education, and remembrance, Paige
Elizabeth Keely's legacy continues to inspire hope, resilience, and
lifesaving awareness throughout the State of New York; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts
in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gina Keely and The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation.