Declare Huntington's Disease Awareness Month

Assembly Resolution No. 1065 BY: M. of A. Fahy MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Huntington's Disease 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, 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 May 2018, as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Huntington's Disease Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Huntington's disease is a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is presently no effective treatment or cure; and WHEREAS, Huntington's disease slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, think, talk and reason, eventually making the person totally dependent upon others for his or her care; and WHEREAS, Huntington's disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families emotionally, socially and economically; and WHEREAS, Currently, more than a quarter of a million Americans have been diagnosed with Huntington's disease or are "at risk" of inheriting the illness from an affected parent; and WHEREAS, The Albany affiliate of the Huntington's Disease Society of America was formed in 2011 with a mission of bringing awareness to the general public regarding Huntington's disease and to raise funds to be used for research, care and education; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of Huntington's Disease, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, state and national levels to support those afflicted as well as their families and caregivers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Huntington's Disease 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 the Albany affiliate of the Huntington's Disease Society of America.