Senate Resolution No. 5195

BY: Senator HOYLMAN

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 12, 2018, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis 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
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 May 12, 2018, as
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of International Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has been found by the National
Academy of Medicine to be a serious, chronic, complex, and systemic
disease that frequently and dramatically limits the activities of
affected patients, leaving them with a lower quality of life than
multiple sclerosis, stroke, renal failure, heart failure and other
chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, Up to 2.5 million Americans of all ages, races and genders
are living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and between 62,000-152,000
people in New York; and

WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis persists for years or decades due
to a lack of treatments, leaving 25% of patients housebound or bedbound,
with many students unable to attend school and 75%-85% of patients
unable to work, costing the economy of New York State millions of
dollars; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine noted a lack of knowledge
about the disease due to a lack of research and funding for research,
owing largely to a lack of awareness of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine stated that as a result of
this lack of awareness and research, many patients encounter medical
professionals who doubt the existence of their disease and have
tremendous difficulty being properly diagnosed and accessing appropriate
medical care; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase awareness
and funding 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 May 12, 2018, as
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to recognize that
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a tragic, disabling disease which destroys
the lives of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families,
friends, and caretakers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to affirm the
commitment of New York State to improving the availability and quality
of medical and supportive care for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis patients;
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.