Senate Resolution No. 1216

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2017, as Neuromyelitis Optica 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017, as
Neuromyelitis Optica Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), previously known as Devic's
disease, is a rare autoimmune disease that primarily affects the eye
nerves and spinal cord, and has no known cure; and

WHEREAS, NMO occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own
cells, sometimes causing permanent disabilities including blindness and
paralysis; and

WHEREAS, The cause of NMO is still largely unknown, and there are
currently no FDA-approved treatments for the disease; and

WHEREAS, NMO is often misdiagnosed as a type of Multiple Sclerosis,
but it is its own distinct condition; and

WHEREAS, Increasing awareness about NMO has caused NMO diagnoses to
rise, as doctors have become more likely to recognize the varying
manifestations of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The NMO community is dedicated to increasing awareness and
understanding of this disease in order to promote research, improve
patient care and outcomes, and ultimately find a cure; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017, as
Neuromyelitis Optica Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.