LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2016 as Prader-Willi Syndrome 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 illnesses
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Prader-Willi Syndrome
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that
occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births, and is the most
commonly known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity; and
WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome affects males and females with equal
frequency and affects all races and ethnicities; and
WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and insatiable appe-
tite, often resulting in morbid obesity, which is the major cause of
death for individuals with the syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome also causes cognitive and learning
disabilities, and behavioral difficulties, such as obsessive-compulsive
disorder and difficulty controlling emotions; and
WHEREAS, The hunger, metabolic, and behavioral characteristics of
Prader-Willi syndrome force affected individuals to require constant and
lifelong supervision in a controlled environment; and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown that there is a high morbidity and mortal-
ity rate for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome; and
WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome allows families to
access treatment, intervention services, and support from health profes-
sionals, advocacy organizations, and other families who are dealing with
the syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Recently discovered treatments, such as human growth hormone,
and many promising new research studies ongoing currently in New York
State offer hope to and are improving the quality of life for individ-
uals with the syndrome and offer new hope to families, helping the many
difficult symptoms associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome remain
untreated; and
WHEREAS, Increased research into Prader-Willi Syndrome can lead to a
better understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an
eventual cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, In addition, increased research into Prader-Willi Syndrome is
likely to improve our understanding of common public health concerns,
including childhood obesity and mental health; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Prader-
Willi Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to support raising
awareness and educating the public about Prader -Willi Syndrome; to
applaud the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage aware-
ness, promote research, provide education, support and hope to those
impacted by Prader-Willi Syndrome; to recognize the commitment of
parents, families, researchers, health professionals, and others dedi-
cated to finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for Prader-
Willi Syndrome; and to support increased funding for research into the
causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome; 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.