LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 14, 2016, as Donor Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Donor Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State and across the Nation;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2016, as Donor Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Donor Day; and
WHEREAS, National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of
donation, including organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow, by
participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events; and
WHEREAS, It is also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given
the gift of donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting,
or did not receive an organ in time; and
WHEREAS, National Donor Day is an observance originally designated by
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness for
organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet, and blood donation; and
WHEREAS, There is a tremendous need for organ donations in New York
State; and
WHEREAS, More than 10,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists as the need
for organ, tissue and blood donations far exceed the supply; and
WHEREAS, Every 13 hours, someone dies waiting for an organ transplant
in our State; more than 8,000 New Yorkers await kidneys; over 1,300 need
livers; more than 300 need hearts; more than 100 people need pancreases;
and over 50 need lungs; and
WHEREAS, One person who donates their organs (heart, lungs, liver,
kidneys, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives; and
WHEREAS, Bone marrow transplantation has been a life-saving therapy
for more than 30 years and for many patients, offers the only cure; and
WHEREAS, About 70 percent of patients in need of a bone marrow trans-
plant do not have a matching donor in their family, and depend on the
kindness of strangers who are willing to donate matching bone marrow;
and
WHEREAS, A tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons,
veins, etc.) can improve 12 or more lives by restoring eyesight, helping
fight infections in burn patients and preventing the loss of mobility
and disability; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of New York State residents donate
blood and platelets each year with thousands more serving as volunteer
blood drive coordinators at thousands of blood drives around the states;
and
WHEREAS, Each donation of blood can help save three lives following
component (red cell, platelet, plasma) separation; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and
educational initiatives offered regarding the decision to donate one's
organs, eyes, tissues, marrow, platelet, and/or blood and more must be
done to increase activity at the local, State and national levels; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2016, as
Donor Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Donor 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.