Declare ME/CFS Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 1375 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue 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 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day; and WHEREAS, International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Day is observed every year on May 12th to support and recognize people with this disease and other chronic immunological and neurological diseases by raising awareness and providing useful information; and WHEREAS, On May 12, 2026, people from across the world are encouraged to wear blue to raise awareness and show support for people with ME/CFS, their families and caregivers, and researchers who study this disease; and WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a serious, long-term illness that affects multiple body systems; people with this illness suffer from inability to perform usual activities associated with extreme fatigue, post-exertional malaise or PEM, sleep problems, and other problems with thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness; and WHEREAS, In 2018, it was reported 1 to 2.5 million Americans of all ages, races and genders are living with ME/CFS, and approximately

62,000-152,000 people in New York; and WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for years or decades due to a lack of treatments, leaving 25% of patients housebound or bedbound, with many students unable to attend school and 75%-85% of patients unable to work, costing the economy of New York State millions of dollars; and WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine noted a lack of knowledge about the disease due to a lack of research and funding for research, owing largely to a lack of awareness of the disease; and WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine stated that as a result of this lack of awareness and research, many patients encounter medical professionals who doubt the existence of their disease and have tremendous difficulty being properly diagnosed and accessing appropriate medical care; and WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a tragic, disabling disease which destroys the lives of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families, friends, and caretakers; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase awareness and funding at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.