Declare Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 1366 BY: Senator TEDISCO MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Pediatric Stroke 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 issues 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Stroke occurs at a rate of 1 in 3,500 live births each year, and 5 in 100,000 children per year; currently, stroke is one of the top 10 causes of death for children between the ages of one and 19; and WHEREAS, Of children surviving stroke, about 60% will have permanent neurological deficits, most commonly hemiparesis or hemiplegia, learning and behavioral difficulties, and may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries; and WHEREAS, The life-long health concerns and treatments resulting from Pediatric Stroke result in a heavy financial and emotional toll on the child, the family, and society; and WHEREAS, Very little is known about the cause, treatment and prevention of Pediatric Stroke; and WHEREAS, Pediatric Stroke risk factors, symptoms, prevention efforts, and treatment are often different in children than in adults; and WHEREAS, Only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for Pediatric Stroke be identified and developed; and WHEREAS, An early diagnosis and commencement of treatment of Pediatric Stroke greatly improves chances of recovery and prevention of recurrence; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of Pediatric Stroke, and more must be done to increase activity at the State, local and national levels to support those afflicted as well as their families; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Pediatric Stroke 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.