Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month Proclaimed

Senate Resolution No. 1464 BY: Senator GRIFFO MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Ehlers-Danlos 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 health conditions 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 2019, as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are a collection of 15 multi-systemic, heritable disorders affecting connective tissue, the most abundant tissues in the body; and WHEREAS, With the exception of the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, each type is a distinct entity defined by mutations in a single or small set of genes; common features among the types include joint hypermobility, skin fragility, chronic pain, and fatigue; more severe types, such as Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, can be life-threatening, as fragile blood vessels and internal organs can spontaneously rupture; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that the prevalence of all types of the syndrome affect at least one in 5,000 people worldwide; and WHEREAS, A network of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes support groups can help connect those managing life with the disease, as well as better informing the health care community and the public; and WHEREAS, Early and accurate diagnosis can provide the opportunity to create life-saving medical plans and ensure the quality of life; and WHEREAS, There is currently no treatment for the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and no known cure; further medical research and awareness can bring hope to those suffering from this disease; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2019, as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Ehlers-Danlos Society and The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.