Assembly Resolution No. 259

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2017, as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2017, as Prader-Willi Syndrome
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that
occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births, and is the most
commonly known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity; and

WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome affects males and females with equal
frequency and affects all races and ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and insatiable
appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity, which is the major cause of
death for individuals with the syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Prader-Willi syndrome also causes cognitive and learning
disabilities, and behavioral difficulties, such as obsessive-compulsive
disorder and difficulty controlling emotions; and

WHEREAS, The hunger, metabolic, and behavioral characteristics of
Prader-Willi syndrome force affected individuals to require constant and
lifelong supervision in a controlled environment; and

WHEREAS, Studies have shown that there is a high morbidity and
mortality rate for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome allows families to
access treatment, intervention services, and support from health
professionals, advocacy organizations, and other families who are
dealing with the syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Recently discovered treatments, such as human growth
hormone, and many promising new research studies ongoing currently in
New York State offer hope to and are improving the quality of life for
individuals with the syndrome and offer new hope to families, helping
the many difficult symptoms associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome remain
untreated; and

WHEREAS, Increased research into Prader-Willi Syndrome can lead to a
better understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an
eventual cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, In addition, increased research into Prader-Willi Syndrome
is likely to improve our understanding of common public health concerns,
including childhood obesity and mental health; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support raising
awareness and educating the public about Prader-Willi Syndrome; to
applaud the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage
awareness, promote research, provide education, support and hope to
those impacted by Prader-Willi Syndrome; to recognize the commitment of
parents, families, researchers, health professionals, and others
dedicated to finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for
Prader-Willi Syndrome; and to support increased funding for research
into the causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2017, as
Prader-Willi Syndrome 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.