Declare Prader-Willi Awareness Month

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.