Assembly Resolution No. 165

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 6, 2025, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days
of awareness of important medical conditions and diseases, in the hopes
of increasing education, treatment and cures; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2025, as Lymphedema Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the tenth
Annual World Lymphedema Day; and

WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day was established on March 6, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a disease that occurs when the body's natural
lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked, or does not develop
properly and the lymphatic fluid within a given area, such as the arm,
leg, torso, head or neck, is unable to drain properly; this results in
extreme swelling that impairs mobility, function, and can cause pain and
significantly impair quality of life for the affected person; and

WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day is an annual celebratory event to
raise awareness and encourage collaboration among people living with
lymphatic diseases, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the
general public to collectively strive towards a world where lymphatic
diseases are a global priority and ultimately cured; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 10 million Americans, and 250
million worldwide, living with lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases,
including many that have received treatment for cancer; and

WHEREAS, Under-diagnosing and under-treating of lymphedema patients
costs healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, including Medicare,
untold millions of dollars every year because if left untreated, the
potential for infection is greatly increased and requires immediate
treatment on an emergency basis; and

WHEREAS, Lymphedema can be inherited, present at birth or manifest
itself later in life as in primary lymphedema; it may also develop after
cancer treatment, radiation therapy, major surgery, severe burns or
other traumatic injuries such as those affecting our combat tested
veterans, referred to as secondary lymphedema; and

WHEREAS, An alarming one in five women who have been diagnosed,
treated, and survived breast cancer will face chronic lymphedema for the
rest of their lives; and

WHEREAS, For those diagnosed and treated with head and neck cancer,
over 90% will suffer from some form of lymphedema, with 50 percent of
those complicated by fibrosis; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 20 to 60 percent of women undergoing surgical
treatment for gynecologic cancer will experience lower limb chronic
lymphedema; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical and psychological
impact that lymphedema has on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the
citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals
living and coping with this debilitating disease as well as their
caregivers, both professional and lay persons; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2025, as
Lymphedema Day in the State of New York; and be it further

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