LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 21, 2014, Down Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of World Down Syndrome Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 21, 2014, Down Syndrome
Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of World Down Syndrome Day; and
WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition affecting the body's
development caused by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 in
the cell nucleus, and is also called Trisomy 21; there are an estimated
six million people with Down syndrome worldwide; and
WHEREAS, One in every 691 babies born in the United States are
afflicted with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic disorder
in the nation; approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome and
about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each
year; and
WHEREAS, While once extremely fatal, advances in medical technology
are helping individuals with Down syndrome to live longer, healthier
lives than ever before; with proper treatment, most particularly correc-
tive heart surgeries, as many as 80% of adults with Down syndrome will
reach age 60 or older; and
WHEREAS, Down Syndrome International will be celebrating the 9th Anni-
versary of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2014; the date was
chosen to represent the scientific name of the illness, Trisomy 21; and
WHEREAS, World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has
been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012; each year the
voice of people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with
them, grows louder, but there is still so much more to be done; and
WHEREAS, More and more New Yorkers are interacting with individuals
with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education
and acceptance; and
WHEREAS, People with Down syndrome in the State of New York possess a
wide range of abilities, and are active participants in educational,
occupational, social, and recreational circles of the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
inherent dignity, worth and valuable contributions of persons with Down
syndrome as promoters of the well-being and diversity of our communi-
ties, and the importance of their individual autonomy and independence,
including the freedom to make their own choices; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body, pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 21, 2014, as Down
Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Down Syndrome Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.