LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 6, 2014, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2014, as Lymphedema Aware-
ness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Lymp-
hedema 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 arm, leg, torso, head and neck, exceeds the
amount that can be removed by this Lymphatic system; 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, The total number of persons living with or at risk for Lymp-
hedema 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 Lymphedema at some point in their life-
time, 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 as well as their
caregivers, both professional and lay persons; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 condition that
affects so many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2014, as Lymp-
hedema Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.