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

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious conditions
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; 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 November 2016, as Epilepsy
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Epilepsy Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, is a neurological
disorder where the brain's normal electrical pattern is disrupted by
sudden and synchronized bursts of electrical energy that may affect
consciousness, movement or sensation while creating long-term effects on
the lifestyle of individuals with epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder that results in
almost one-third of epilepsy patients living with uncontrolled seizures
due to a lack of clinically available treatment that works for them; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
epilepsy affects an estimated 3 million Americans, and 65 million people
worldwide; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy and 200,000 new cases of
epilepsy are diagnosed each year in the United States, and approximately
50,000 people will die from an epilepsy-related cause; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy affects more people than multiple sclerosis, cere-
bral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's combined; and
WHEREAS, It strikes most often among the very young and the very old,
although anyone can develop epilepsy at any age; in the United States,
it affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 15, more than
90,000 of whom have seizures that cannot be adequately treated; and
WHEREAS, The number of epilepsy cases in the elderly is climbing as
the baby boom generation reaches retirement age; more than 570,000
adults age 65 and above have the condition; it costs the United States
approximately $15.5 billion each year in caring for and treating epilep-
sy; and
WHEREAS, While medications and other treatments help many people of
all ages who live with epilepsy, more than a million people continue to
have seizures that can severely limit their school achievements, employ-
ment prospects and participation in all of life's experiences; and
WHEREAS, Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is among the least under-
stood of major chronic medical conditions, even though one in three
adults knows someone with the disorder; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activ-
ity 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 November 2016, as
Epilepsy 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 the Epilepsy Foundation.