LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 6, 2010, as Lymphedema Awareness 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, in the hopes of increasing
education, treatment and cure; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 6, 2010, as Lymphedema
Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Lymphedema Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the body's natural
Lymphatic drainage system malfunctions and the lymphatic fluid within a
given area, such as the leg, exceeds the amount that can be removed by
this Lymphatic system; this results in extreme swelling and nauseating
pain for the affected patient; and
WHEREAS, The total number of Lymphedema patients is difficult to
establish because Lymphedema is under-reported and often misdiagnosed;
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 may come on in the
course of a few hours and requires immediate treatment on an emergency
basis; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Health and Human Services
estimates that Lymphedema affects some 100 million people worldwide and
over three million people here in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema can develop after cancer treatment, radiation
therapy, major surgery, severe burns or other traumatic injuries; and
WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control estimates that 20%-40% of all
cancer survivors will develop Lyphedema at some point in their lifetime,
with an even higher percentage among the elderly; and
WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute estimates that 61% of cancer
survivors in 2005 alone were over 65 years of age, further, as many as
1.25 million Medicare beneficiaries who are cancer survivors required
treatment for their Lymphedema in 2005; 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 condition; and
WHEREAS, Grateful to the tireless advocates and healthcare providers
who spend so much of their time and resources battling this painful and
destructive condition that affects so many, this Legislative Body, this
year calls particular attention to one such tireless advocate Joel
Armel, an inspirational Lymphedema patient who has contributed to the
Lymphedema community and has shown great courage in his struggle with
this horrific disease; and
WHEREAS, As a determined activist for Lymphedema-related issues, Joel
Armel's journey began when he was diagnosed 18 years ago with Lymphedema
and was frustrated by the lack of medical resources and treatment
options for this condition; and
WHEREAS, Joel Armel has worked diligently to seek funding for the
Lymphedema Research Foundation's National Lymphatic Disease and Lymp-
hedema Registry and Tissue Bank and to promote awareness for this
disease; and

WHEREAS, Joel Armel has successfully worked with policy-makers and the
healthcare providers to change health access laws so that both the
government and the insurance companies must provide for those who suffer
from Lymphedema; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Lymphedema Awareness Day provides the
opportunity to educate people and bring the much needed attention to
this terribly painful condition, with the hopes of igniting increased
research and funding for this worthy cause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 6, 2010, as
Lymphedema Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Lymphedema Awareness Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to pay just tribute
to Joel Armel for his ceaseless dedicated efforts to promote both fund-
ing and awareness of Lymphedema; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, the National Lymphedema Network, the New York State Lymphatic
Research Foundation, and Mr. Joel Armel.