Assembly Resolution No. 156

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 5-11, 2017, as Multiple Sclerosis 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 March 5-11, 2017, as
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
Week; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers place the highest priority on health-related
issues, including the various forms of auto-immune and neurological
conditions striking people of all ages, and one of the most prevalent is
multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects more than 400,000 Americans, with
an estimated 10,400 new cases diagnosed each year; and

WHEREAS, The combined impact of the four types of MS challenges the
lives of not only those diagnosed with the condition, but also their
friends, family and caregivers, adding significant health care costs
over the person's lifetime; and

WHEREAS, A number of non-profit health organizations, such as the
National MS Society, are dedicated to the ultimate goal of eradicating
multiple sclerosis and to serving those currently living with the
disease; and

WHEREAS, The National MS Society is steadfast in its efforts to find
cures for the disease through medical research, voluntary contributions
and public support; in New York State, the Society serves over 34,000
people living with MS by maintaining offices in Albany, Buffalo,
Syracuse, Rochester, Westchester County, Long Island and New York City
to carry out its compassionate work on behalf of individuals with the
disease and to assist their family members; and

WHEREAS, Today, of the approximately 400,000 Americans diagnosed
with MS, most are between 20 and 50 years of age, making it the number
one disabling condition among young adults, and New York State is
committed to eliminating all auto-immune and neurological conditions,
supporting further medical research, and making quality medical
treatment more available; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing that good health is key to a long, productive
and fulfilling life, this Legislative Body encourages private efforts to
advance research and education programs that address MS, and supports
observances that raise public awareness concerning such critical health
matters as multiple sclerosis, with hopes of eliminating all forms of
this devastating disease; and

WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers have been diagnosed with this debilitating
disease; this Legislative Body recognizes the vital importance of the
National MS Society in providing excellence in care through awareness,
education and treatment, and its evident commitment to this mission;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 5-11, 2017, as
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 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.