Declare Marfan Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 221 BY: Senator MARTINS MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days of awareness for significant medical conditions with hopes of increasing education as well as finding treatments and cures; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Marfan syndrome is a potentially life-threatening genetic aortic and vascular condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, connective tissues, eyes, bones and joints, lungs, and other parts of the body; one of the most dangerous parts of the condition is the impact on the aorta, which is the large artery that takes blood away from the heart; and WHEREAS, In people living with Marfan syndrome and related conditions, the aorta is prone to enlarge and 250 times more likely to tear or rupture than in the general population, which can cause sudden early death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical; and WHEREAS, One in 5,000 to one in 10,000 people in the U.S. have Marfan syndrome, but experts estimate that about half of these individuals are not yet diagnosed; and WHEREAS, The Marfan Foundation's mission is to save lives and improve the quality of life for people living with Marfan syndrome and related conditions while building community by funding research, education, and support; and WHEREAS, The Marfan Foundation convenes experts and educates the healthcare community to foster medical advances, increase early diagnosis, medical monitoring and life-saving treatment, while providing unwavering support to people living with Marfan syndrome and their loved ones, and informing the general public about the signs and symptoms of Marfan syndrome; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical, and psychological impact of Marfan syndrome, it is incumbent upon the citizens of the State of New York to support individuals living with Marfan syndrome and related conditions, and to advocate for life-saving treatments and research; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the tireless community members, advocates and healthcare providers who spend so much of their time and resources working to ensure optimal quality of life and longevity for those living with Marfan syndrome and related conditions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Marfan 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.