Assembly Resolution No. 139

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

HONORING Steve Guttenberg for his outstanding
advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for
lymphedema awareness

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in the communities across New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and
individuals committed to helping to improve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud, on the
occasion of the observance of World Lymphedema Day on March 6, 2017, to
honor and pay tribute to Steve Guttenberg, a resident of the Upper West
Side of Manhattan, a celebrated actor whose mother has lymphedema and
who has used his celebrity to promote lymphedema awareness; and

WHERAS, Steve Guttenberg now serves as Honorary Board Member of the
Lymphatic Education & Research Network, also known as LE&RN and in this
capacity, devotes himself to fundraising, supporting patients,
outreaching to corporate supporters, and making himself available for
media opportunities that further awareness on lymphedema and the need
for research; and

WHEREAS, Steve Guttenberg kicked off the 2016 New York Walk to Fight
Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases to the mass of supporters attending the
event that crosses the Brooklyn Bridge, and thereby empowered others
with this disease to follow his example and publicly come forward to
support lymphedema and lymphatic diseases; and

WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day brings awareness to this often
debilitating disease and helps find strength through collective
celebration and is also set aside to honor inspirational lymphedema
patients and advocates; and

WHEREAS, Steve Guttenberg has brought this disease to a statewide
and national audience by becoming a lymphedema spokesperson without
regard for professional career concerns; and

WHEREAS, Steve Guttenberg has made New York-based Lymphatic
Education & Research Network his charity of choice; and

WHEREAS, Steve Guttenberg continues to seek ways to champion the
needs of the lymphedema community, which suffers a dearth of certified
therapists and lacks sufficient insurance coverage for even basic
lymphedema treatment options; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Steve Guttenberg for his outstanding advocacy and promotion of
lymphedema awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steve Guttenberg, and the Lymphatic Education & Research
Network.