Declare ALS/MND Awareness Day

Assembly Resolution No. 573 BY: M. of A. Manktelow LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 21, 2019, as ALS/MND Global Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help 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 June 21, 2019, as ALS/MND Global Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National ALS/MND Global Day; and WHEREAS, Every year the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations celebrates June 21st as the global day of recognition of ALS/MND, a disease which affects people in every country of the world; it does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or religion; for every person diagnosed, the impact of the disease will be forever felt by their loved ones; and WHEREAS, June 21 was chosen for this observance because it is when the summer solstice begins; the solstice signifies a turning point, and each year the ALS/MND community undertakes a range of activities to express their hope this day will be another turning point in the search for cause, treatment and cure of ALS/MND; and WHEREAS, According to the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, ALS, which is commonly referred to as motor neuron disease (MND) outside of the United States, affects an estimated 350,000 individuals around the globe and kills more than 100,000 annually; there are approximately 140,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year, that is 384 new cases every day; and WHEREAS, ALS/MND can impact anyone, anywhere, regardless of age, however, it is more often found in the 40-70 year age group; only 10% of cases are familial with the remaining 90% sporadic; and WHEREAS, ALS/MND is characterized by progressive degeneration of the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; the motor cells control the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, breathe, and swallow; with no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste; and WHEREAS, Symptoms may include muscle weakness and paralysis, as well as impaired speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Progress is generally rapid, with an average life expectancy of between two and five years from the onset of symptoms; and WHEREAS, The disease affects each individual differently and can have a devastating impact on family, careers, and friends; the rapidly progressive nature of the disease requires constant adaptation to increasing and changing levels of disability, which in turn require increased levels of support; and WHEREAS, ALS/MND Global Day increases the public's awareness of patients' circumstances and acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has not only on patients but on their families as well; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 21, 2019, as ALS/MND Global Day 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.