Assembly Resolution No. 498

BY: M. of A. Shimsky

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2025 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months which are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams Syndrome
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Williams Syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition present at
birth and can affect anyone; it is characterized by various medical
issues, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and
learning disabilities; these medical conditions often coincide with
striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity
for music; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that Williams Syndrome impacts one in every
10,000 individuals worldwide, including as many as 30,000 within the
United States; it is known to occur equally in both males and females
and in every culture; and

WHEREAS, As children with Williams Syndrome grow, many struggle with
issues like spatial relations, numbers, and abstract reasoning which can
render performing daily tasks a challenge; and

WHEREAS, In adulthood, individuals with Williams Syndrome will often
need supportive housing and other resources to reach their full
potential; with these supports, they can contribute greatly to their
communities as volunteers or paid employees in numerous fields; and

WHEREAS, Camille Fortunato, as a parent of a child with Williams
Syndrome, began a quest for appropriate educational and therapeutic
services for her son, Anthony; and

WHEREAS, Camille Fortunato's son, Anthony, was very ill when he was
born, and doctors were initially unable to determine what the underlying
issue was; she and her husband, Stefano Filippazzo, took Anthony to see
cardiologists, pulmonologists, and critical care physicians; it took
years of excruciating searching to finally find the diagnosis for this
rare disease; and

WHEREAS, Upon receiving Anthony's diagnosis, Camille Fortunato and
Stefano Filippazzo embarked upon a commendable pursuit to raise
awareness and capital for the Williams Syndrome Association; over the
years, they have participated in a variety of very successful
fundraising events; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1982, the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA)
provides support to individuals with Williams Syndrome, as well as their

families, connecting them with professionals and other individuals who
can assist them in coping with the condition; and

WHEREAS, Through this organization's efforts of raising public
awareness, funding critical new research, and providing valuable
information and support to families, the Williams Syndrome Association
has improved the quality of life and futures of those affected by
Williams Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The Williams Syndrome Association, along with the families
and friends of those afflicted with Williams Syndrome, are to be
commended for their hard work, compassion, and dedication to educating
the citizens of the State of New York about this rare disorder; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams
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.