Acute Leukemia Awareness Day

April 21, 2026, as Acute Myeloid Leukemia Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days 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 April 21, 2026, as Acute Myeloid Leukemia Day (AML) in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of AML World Awareness Day; and WHEREAS, AML World Awareness Day is the one day of the year that people from all around the world can come together to help raise awareness of this cancer and tell the world that AML is a cancer that cannot be ignored; and WHEREAS, AML is a rare aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow; it is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults; and WHEREAS, Normally, blood cells are made from stem cells (immature cells) in the bone marrow which is the soft inner part of the bone; and WHEREAS, A blood stem cell can become either a myeloid stem cell or a lymphoid stem cell; a myeloid stem cell in healthy bone marrow can give rise to three different mature types of cells which together make up the blood; these include: red blood cells - they give blood its red color and are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body; white blood cells - they fight infections and disease; and platelets - they help blood to clot and prevent bleeding; and WHEREAS, In AML, there is an abnormal production of one or more of these blood cells in the bone marrow due to certain changes in the genetic material (DNA); these are called genetic abnormalities; and WHEREAS, These abnormal cells are called leukemia cells and can fill up the bone marrow and spill into the blood, where they can spread to parts of the body including the brain, skin, spleen, and gums; and WHEREAS, As a result, the production of normal blood cells is affected, and the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells; and WHEREAS, The most common signs and symptoms of AML include shortness of breath, bruising, fever, weakness, and infection; usually, AML develops quickly and becomes worse unless it is treated; 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 21, 2026, as Acute Myeloid Leukemia 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.