Declare Alpha-1 Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 5715 BY: Senator TEDISCO MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2018, as Alpha-1 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 diseases 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 November 2018, as Alpha-1 Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Alpha-1 Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which may result in serious lung disease or liver disease; it occurs when there is a severe lack of a protein in the blood called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) which is mainly produced by the liver; and WHEREAS, The main function of AAT is to protect the lungs from inflammation caused by infection and inhaled irritants such as tobacco smoke; the low level of AAT in the blood occurs because the AAT is abnormal and cannot be released from the liver at the normal rate; this leads to a buildup of abnormal AAT in the liver which can cause liver disease; and WHEREAS, People with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency usually develop the first signs and symptoms of lung disease between ages 20 and 50; the earliest symptoms are shortness of breath following mild activity, reduced ability to exercise, and wheezing; and WHEREAS, Other signs and symptoms can include unintentional weight loss, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat upon standing; affected individuals often develop emphysema; and WHEREAS, About 10 percent of infants with Alpha-1 develop liver disease; approximately 15 percent of adults will develop liver damage due to the formation of scar tissue in the liver; and WHEREAS, In rare cases, people with Alpha-1 develop a skin condition called panniculitis, which is characterized by hardened skin with painful lumps or patches; and WHEREAS, There are treatments and preventative measures that may slow the progression of lung disease and help take control of one's health; the specific therapy for the treatment of Alpha-1 related lung disease is augmentation therapy, the use of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein; and WHEREAS, The Alpha-1 Foundation Support Group Network is a collective of more than 80 affiliated support groups, dedicated to providing support, education and information to people affected by Alpha-1, and to extending the mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Richard Lovrich, Capital Region of New York Alpha-1 Support Group helps people develop an enhanced, healthier sense of personal identity and a connection with the large Alpha-1 community; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2018, as Alpha-1 Awareness Month 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 Richard Lovrich, Leader, New York Capital Region Alpha-1 Support Group.