Honor Lisa McPartland's Advocacy

Assembly Resolution No. 963 BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L HONORING Lisa McPartland for her outstanding advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness, in conjunction with the observance of World Lymphedema Day, March 6, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals committed to helping to improve the lives of others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and pay tribute to Lisa McPartland, of Kenmore, New York, for her outstanding advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness; and WHEREAS, Since 2008, Lisa McPartland has suffered with secondary lymphedema in her left leg as a result of cervical cancer treatment; in spite of these challenges, she has been an inspirational advocate for lymphatic disease awareness, education, and research; and WHEREAS, The observance of World Lymphedema Day, March 6, 2018, brings awareness to this debilitating disease which, often, is the result of cancer treatment, and helps find strength through collective celebration, as well as is set aside to honor inspirational lymphedema patients and advocates; and WHEREAS, Lisa McPartland began her fundraising and awareness efforts in 2014, when she and her husband, Patrick, declined bridal shower gifts in favor of donations to the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN); and WHEREAS, Lisa McPartland traveled to New York City with her new husband in lieu of a honeymoon in order to give the keynote address at the 2014 New York Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and WHEREAS, Each year, Lisa McPartland and her team exceed their fundraising goals for the New York Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, Lisa McPartland has served as the Secretary of the New York Chapter of LE&RN; and WHEREAS, Lisa McPartland has worked tirelessly to commemorate World Lymphedema Day by having several New York landmarks lit in teal on March 6th, including: the Peace Bridge between Canada and the United States, Buffalo Electric Tower, Buffalo City Hall dome, and Seneca One Tower; and WHEREAS, Lisa McPartland continues to be a positive role model for all lymphedema patients and especially lymphedema patients who are cancer survivors; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence; these individuals certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Lisa McPartland for her outstanding advocacy and promotion of lymphedema awareness, in conjunction with the observance of World Lymphedema Day, March 6, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lisa McPartland, and the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.