LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 30, 2016, as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health condi-
tions 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 June 30, 2016, as Arthrogrypo-
sis Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a rare condition
that occurs in utero where there are multiple congenital (from birth)
joint contractures, or multiple joints that are stuck in one position
and have very little flexibility, resulting in low muscle tone; and
WHEREAS, Translated, arthro means joint, gryposis means crooked,
multiplex means multiple, and congenita means existing at birth or pres-
ent at birth; and
WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis is an umbrella diagnosis with many syndromes
and subtypes and occurs 1 in 3,000 live births; AMC is non-progressive
but the contractures can recur after treatment; furthermore, all joints,
including the spine and the jaw, can be affected; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are 400 identified types of Arthrogryposis
such as Amyoplasia and Distal; some individuals never have their type of
Arthrogryposis identified; and
WHEREAS, Most distal Arthrogryposis types and most syndromes (like
Escobar, Sheldon-Hall) are genetic in origin; 20-30% of babies born with
AMC will die in the newborn period because they have a lethal genetic
type or they have severe central nervous system dysfunction; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 1/3 of cases of AMC are amyoplasia type which
is non-genetic and sporadic in the population; and
WHEREAS, The cause of Arthrogryposis is not fully known at this time
but may be due to an unborn baby not moving properly during fetal devel-
opment; movement is vital to proper joint development; and
WHEREAS, Common joint contractures include: clubbed feet or vertical
talus, extended or flexed knees, dislocated and/or externally rotated
hips, internally rotated shoulders, extended or flexed elbows, flexed
wrists, adducted thumbs (stuck-in-palm), and fingers are fisted or
extended; and
WHEREAS, While there is no cure for AMC, stretching the joints multi-
ple times per day, serial casting, various therapies (physical, occupa-
tional, and speech), splinting, bracing, tendon releases and lengthen-
ing, osteotomies (bone cuts), and external fixators can help improve a
person's independence level and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Despite the fact there is no cure for AMC, most children with
Arthrogryposis grow up to be independent and successful adults; and
WHEREAS, On June 30, 2016, families across the State of New York and
the Nation will be wearing the color blue to honor those affected by
Arthrogryposis; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness and expanded knowledge of Arthrogryposis,
as well as its impact on the quality of life of those affected, will
allow the community-at-large to better support people who struggle with
the challenges of this disorder; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 30, 2016, as
Arthrogryposis Awareness Day in the State of New York; 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.