Declare MS Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 2360 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as Multiple Sclerosis 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, 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 March 2020, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, New Yorkers place the highest priority on health-related issues, including the various forms of auto-immune and neurological conditions striking people of all ages, and one of the most prevalent is multiple sclerosis (MS), which the National MS Society estimates affects nearly one million Americans, with an estimated 200 new cases diagnosed each week; and WHEREAS, The combined impact of the four types of MS challenges the lives of not only those diagnosed with the condition, but also their friends, family and caregivers, adding significant health care costs over the person's lifetime; and WHEREAS, A number of non-profit health organizations, such as the New York City-Southern New York, Long Island and Upstate New York Chapters of the National MS Society, are dedicated to the ultimate goal of eradicating multiple sclerosis and to serving those currently living with the disease; and WHEREAS, The National MS Society is steadfast in its efforts to find cures for the disease through medical research, voluntary contributions and public support; in New York State, the Society serves over 34,000 people living with MS by maintaining offices in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Westchester County, Long Island and New York City to carry out its compassionate work on behalf of individuals with the disease and to assist their family members; and WHEREAS, Today, of the nearly one million Americans diagnosed with MS, most are between 20 and 50 years of age, making it the number one disabling condition among young adults, and New York State is committed to eliminating all auto-immune and neurological conditions, supporting further medical research, and making quality medical treatment more available; and WHEREAS, Recognizing that good health is key to a long, productive and fulfilling life, this Legislative Body encourages private efforts to advance research and education programs that address MS, and supports observances that raise public awareness concerning such critical health matters as multiple sclerosis, with hopes of eliminating all forms of this devastating disease; and WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers have been diagnosed with this debilitating disease; this Legislative Body recognizes the vital importance of the National MS Society in providing excellence in care through awareness, education and treatment, and its evident commitment to this mission; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; and the New York City-Southern New York, Long Island and Upstate New York Chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.