LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 4-10, 2014, as Psoriasis Awareness Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks set aside to increase awareness of health issues which affect the
lives of many citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4-10, 2014, as Psoriasis
Awareness Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, A Walk to Cure Psoriasis in New York, held on May 4, 2014, is
the largest event in the tri-state area dedicated to those living with
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; and
WHEREAS, The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient
advocacy group for the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis, and supports the most promising early-stage
research and emerging researchers as well as provides extensive patient
education and promotes online communities; and
WHEREAS, Psoriasis, the most common chronic, autoimmune disease which
affects more than 125 million people worldwide, appears on the skin as
patches of thick red skin; although no one knows exactly what causes
psoriasis, doctors believe it is related to the body's immune system and
that it is genetic; and
WHEREAS, In people with psoriasis, the immune system is mistakenly
triggered causing skin cells to grow too fast; the rapidly growing cells
pile up in the skin's top layers, leading to the formation of lesions on
the surface; and
WHEREAS, Psoriasis is not contagious and can develop in both males and
females of any race or age; however, it most often appears between the
ages of 15 and 35; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 30 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis are
also afflicted with psoriatic arthritis which causes pain, stiffness and
swelling in and around the joints; this type of arthritis most often
affects the hands, feet, wrists, ankles and lower back; and
WHEREAS, Nearly three percent of the world's population will endure
symptoms of psoriasis; many tolerate constant pain from cracking and
bleeding skin; they constantly bear the humiliation associated with the
visible symptoms of this unsightly condition; and
WHEREAS, People who have psoriasis struggle with the disappointment of
treatments and the lack of a cure and often suffer from public rejection
because of the misunderstanding surrounding the disease; and
WHEREAS, There is a large misconception among the general population
that psoriasis is a trivial matter, requiring little understanding or
sympathy; it is often viewed as a cosmetic problem or equated with being
unclean or even self-imposed; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this misunderstood health issue, and more must be done to increase
activity at the local, State and national levels to both enhance the
amount of research and to support those individuals who have been
afflicted by psoriasis; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4-10, 2014, as
Psoriasis Awareness Week in the State of New York; 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.