Assembly Resolution No. 1333

BY: M. of A. Rules (Cusick)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 9-15, 2018, as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Awareness Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks 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 September 9-15, 2018,
as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week in the State of New York,
in conjunction with the observance of National Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal
genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in
every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year
worldwide); since the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it
primarily affects boys, however, it occurs across all races and
cultures; and

WHEREAS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy results in progressive loss of
strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for
dystrophin; since dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily
damaged; and

WHEREAS, The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical
problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs; young men
with this debilitating disease typically live into their late twenties;
and

WHEREAS, Becker muscular dystrophy, which is less severe than
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, occurs when dystrophin is manufactured, but
not in the normal folin or amount; and

WHEREAS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be passed from parent to
child, but approximately 35% of cases occur because of a random
spontaneous mutation; in other words, it can affect anyone; and

WHEREAS, Although there are medical treatments that may help slow
its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne muscular
dystrophy; and

WHEREAS, Jar of Hope's mission is to find a cure through accelerated
research, calls for action in Washington D.C., demand optimal care for
all young men, and educate the global community; and

WHEREAS, Scientists around the globe are conducting intense research
to understand what causes muscle dysfunction in Duchenne muscular
dystrophy and to apply that understanding to the development of
effective treatments; and

WHEREAS, National Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week will
highlight the importance of identifying and communicating early signs of
this genetic disorder which is the key to early diagnosis; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 9-15, 2018,
as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week 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 Jar of Hope.