Senate Resolution No. 5715

BY: Senator TEDISCO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
November 2018, as Alpha-1 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
diseases 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 November 2018, as
Alpha-1 Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Alpha-1 Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic
condition which may result in serious lung disease or liver disease; it
occurs when there is a severe lack of a protein in the blood called
alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) which is mainly produced by the liver; and

WHEREAS, The main function of AAT is to protect the lungs from
inflammation caused by infection and inhaled irritants such as tobacco
smoke; the low level of AAT in the blood occurs because the AAT is
abnormal and cannot be released from the liver at the normal rate; this
leads to a buildup of abnormal AAT in the liver which can cause liver
disease; and

WHEREAS, People with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency usually develop
the first signs and symptoms of lung disease between ages 20 and 50; the
earliest symptoms are shortness of breath following mild activity,
reduced ability to exercise, and wheezing; and

WHEREAS, Other signs and symptoms can include unintentional weight
loss, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat
upon standing; affected individuals often develop emphysema; and

WHEREAS, About 10 percent of infants with Alpha-1 develop liver
disease; approximately 15 percent of adults will develop liver damage
due to the formation of scar tissue in the liver; and

WHEREAS, In rare cases, people with Alpha-1 develop a skin condition
called panniculitis, which is characterized by hardened skin with
painful lumps or patches; and

WHEREAS, There are treatments and preventative measures that may
slow the progression of lung disease and help take control of one's
health; the specific therapy for the treatment of Alpha-1 related lung
disease is augmentation therapy, the use of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein;
and

WHEREAS, The Alpha-1 Foundation Support Group Network is a
collective of more than 80 affiliated support groups, dedicated to
providing support, education and information to people affected by
Alpha-1, and to extending the mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation; and


WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Richard Lovrich, Capital
Region of New York Alpha-1 Support Group helps people develop an
enhanced, healthier sense of personal identity and a connection with the
large Alpha-1 community; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity 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 2018, as
Alpha-1 Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York, and Richard Lovrich, Leader, New York Capital Region Alpha-1
Support Group.