Assembly Resolution No. 1404

BY: M. of A. Rules (Titone)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 2018, as Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease resulting in
the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body; and

WHEREAS, With Alopecia Areata, the affected hair follicles are
mistakenly attacked by a person's immune system, resulting in the loss
of hair; and

WHEREAS, Alopecia Areata is a common but very challenging and
capricious disease affecting approximately two percent of the American
population, amounting to more than 4.7 million people in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, With appropriate treatment, a large percentage of patients
will have all of their hair back within one year, and many will have it
sooner; and

WHEREAS, Approximately five percent of children with Alopecia Areata
will go on to develop Alopecia Totalis, the loss of all the hair on the
scalp, and some children will develop Alopecia Universalis, the complete
loss of body hair; and

WHEREAS, There is no cure for Alopecia Areata and unfortunately
since there is little understanding of the disease, there are no FDA
approved drugs or treatments specifically designed to address Alopecia
Areata; and

WHEREAS, Although not life-threatening, Alopecia Areata is most
certainly life-altering, and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and
unpredictable course have a serious effect on a person's life and
functional status at work, school, and everyday life; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is aware of the impact that Alopecia
Areata can have on people living with the disorder, and recognizes the
need for enhanced public awareness, as well as supports the goals and
ideals of Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, as designated by the National
Alopecia Areata Foundation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2018, as
Alopecia Areata 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.