LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim July 2016 as Arachnoiditis Awareness Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Arachnoiditis is a debilitating, progressive, chronic pain
disorder caused by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the three
membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, Arachnoiditis attacks cause the arachnoid to become inflamed
because of an irritation caused by chemicals, infection from bacteria or
viruses, a direct injury to the spine, chronic compression of spinal
nerves, or complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal
procedures; and
WHEREAS, Arachnoiditis can interfere with the function of one or more
of the central nervous system's nerves, thus causing those afflicted
with the disorder symptoms including numbness, tingling, or a stinging
and burning pain in the lower back or legs; others afflicted with
Arachnoiditis can suffer from debilitating muscle cramps, twitches, or
spasms; and
WHEREAS, Arachnoiditis knows no age limit, and if left unrecognized,
untreated or mistreated, can lead to a variety of symptoms that may
result in devastating consequences which can impair the person's ability
to function independently; and
WHEREAS, Prevention is paramount, and early diagnosis and intervention
is crucial, and correct aggressive treatment by a qualified medical
professional can lead to a positive result; and
WHEREAS, Arachnoiditis is believed to affect more females than males,
with approximately 11,000 new cases documented in the US each year; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York should help inform the public about the
prevalence of this debilitating disease, thus bringing greater attention
to Arachnoiditis so that steps can be put in place for screening and
prevention; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2016 as Arachnoid-
itis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and Sheila L. Kalkbrenner, Founder of Art For Arachnoiditis.