LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Nicholas Hernandez for his outstanding
advocacy for and promotion of lymphedema awareness and research

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in the communities across New York State are reflec-
tive of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and indi-
viduals committed to helping to improve the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing tradition, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
Nicholas Hernandez for his outstanding advocacy for and promotion of
lymphedema awareness and research upon the occasion of the observance of
World Lymphedema Day on March 6, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Five-year-old Nicholas Hernandez has suffered with intestinal
lymphangiectasia and primary lymphedema since birth; in spite of his
age, young Nicholas and his family have been tireless advocates for
lymphatic disease awareness, education and research; and
WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day brings awareness to this often debili-
tating condition and helps find strength through collective celebration
and is also set aside to honor inspirational lymphedema patients and
advocates; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Hernandez began his fundraising and awareness
efforts at the young age of two, when he and his family and friends
formed a fundraising team, Team Nick, for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Walk
to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Hernandez has worked tirelessly despite significant
health issues, including having a specialized diet, daily in-home
massage therapy and specialized compression garments for both day and
night; and
WHEREAS, This brave boy and his team exceeded their fundraising goals
each of the years they participated; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Hernandez's family and friends have devoted them-
selves to this cause, including garnering the support of local business
leaders and professionals for the Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic
Diseases, which took their team and hundreds of supporters across the
Brooklyn Bridge in 2014 and 2015; and
WHEREAS, Today, Nicholas Hernandez continues to be a positive role
model for all lymphedema patients and especially young lymphedema
patients; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nicholas Hernandez for his outstanding advocacy and promotion of
lymphedema awareness; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nicholas Hernandez, and the Lymphatic Education & Research
Network.