Assembly Resolution No. 1004

BY: M. of A. Jenne

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2018, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
serious diseases by proclaiming official months to increase awareness of
such concerns, which affect thousands of New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as Parkinson's Disease
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive disorder of
the nervous system that affects movement for which at this time there is
no cure; and

WHEREAS, One million people in the United States are currently
living with Parkinson's disease with an additional 50,000-60,000 new
cases diagnosed each year; making Parkinson's disease the 14th leading
cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease
Control; and

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a substantial health problem in the
State of New York and throughout the United States; it strikes
disproportionately more men, but also women, with the average age of
onset being 60 years old; also impacting the lives of care partners,
friends and family of those diagnosed; and

WHEREAS, The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from person to
person; early signs may be subtle and can often go unnoticed; symptoms
typically begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that
side even after symptoms begin to affect both sides; and

WHEREAS, People suffering with Parkinson's disease can exhibit many
signs and symptoms including tremors, rigidity, slowing of motions,
postural instability, depression, emotional changes, difficulty with
swallowing and chewing, speech changes, sleep problems, pain and
dementia; and

WHEREAS, Great strides have been made in the battle against
Parkinson's disease; Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month is committed to
fighting this horrific disease by finding better ways to prevent,
detect, and provide treatment; and

WHEREAS, While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, many
different types of medications, interventions and surgical options are
available for its treatment; and

WHEREAS, Increased efforts and awareness are desperately needed to
help expedite the research efforts into better treatments, medications
and ultimately a cure, as well as enhanced programs and services to help

those impacted by Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest until a
cure is found; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as
Parkinson's Disease 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.