Declare Lymphedema Awareness Day

March 6, 2017, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the second Annual World Lymphedema Day WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days of awareness of important medical conditions, in the hopes of increasing education, treatment and cure; and WHEREAS, In 2016, this Legislative Body was the first to establish World Lymphedema Day on March 6th; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2017, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the second Annual World Lymphedema Day; and WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a disease that occurs when the body's natural Lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked, or does not develop properly and the Lymphatic fluid within a given area, such as the arm, leg, torso, head or neck, is unable to drain properly; this results in extreme swelling that impairs mobility, function, and can cause pain and significantly impair quality of life for the affected person; and WHEREAS, The total number of persons living with or at risk for Lymphedema is difficult to establish because Lymphedema is under-reported and often misdiagnosed; and WHEREAS, Under-diagnosing and under-treating of Lymphedema patients costs healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, including Medicare, untold millions of dollars every year because if left untreated, the potential for infection is greatly increased and may come on in the course of a few hours and requires immediate treatment on an emergency basis; and WHEREAS, The World Health Organization estimates that over 150 million people worldwide have secondary lymphedema and an additional 120 million people worldwide are infected with lymphatic filariasis, which leads to lymphedema; and that Stanford University estimates that up to ten million Americans are affected by Lymphedema; and WHEREAS, Lymphedema can be inherited, present at birth or manifest itself later in life as in primary lymphedema; or develop after cancer treatment, radiation therapy, major surgery, severe burns or other traumatic injuries such as those affecting our combat tested veterans, referred to as secondary lymphedema; and WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control estimates that 20%-40% of all cancer survivors will develop Lymphedema at some point in their lifetime, with an even higher percentage among the elderly; and WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute predicts a 42% increase in cancer survivors 65 years of age and older by 2020, and as many as 1.5 to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are cancer survivors will require treatment for their Lymphedema; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical and psychological impact that Lymphedema has on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals living and coping with this debilitating condition as well as their caregivers, both professional and lay persons; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the tireless advocates and healthcare providers who spend so much of their time and resources battling this painful and destructive disease that affects so many; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2017, as World Lymphedema Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.