Declare Lymphedema Awareness Day

March 6, 2025, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days of awareness of important medical conditions and diseases, in the hopes of increasing education, treatment and cures; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2025, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the tenth Annual World Lymphedema Day; and WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day was established on March 6, 2016; and WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a disease that occurs when the body's natural lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked, or does not develop properly and the lymphatic fluid within a given area, such as the arm, leg, torso, head or neck, is unable to drain properly; this results in extreme swelling that impairs mobility, function, and can cause pain and significantly impair quality of life for the affected person; and WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day is an annual celebratory event to raise awareness and encourage collaboration among people living with lymphatic diseases, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public to collectively strive towards a world where lymphatic diseases are a global priority and ultimately cured; and WHEREAS, There are approximately 10 million Americans, and 250 million worldwide, living with lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases, including many that have received treatment for cancer; and WHEREAS, Under-diagnosing and under-treating of lymphedema patients costs healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, including Medicare, untold millions of dollars every year because if left untreated, the potential for infection is greatly increased and requires immediate treatment on an emergency basis; and WHEREAS, Lymphedema can be inherited, present at birth or manifest itself later in life as in primary lymphedema; it may also develop after cancer treatment, radiation therapy, major surgery, severe burns or other traumatic injuries such as those affecting our combat tested veterans, referred to as secondary lymphedema; and WHEREAS, An alarming one in five women who have been diagnosed, treated, and survived breast cancer will face chronic lymphedema for the rest of their lives; and WHEREAS, For those diagnosed and treated with head and neck cancer, over 90% will suffer from some form of lymphedema, with 50 percent of those complicated by fibrosis; and WHEREAS, An estimated 20 to 60 percent of women undergoing surgical treatment for gynecologic cancer will experience lower limb chronic lymphedema; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical and psychological impact that lymphedema has on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals living and coping with this debilitating disease as well as their caregivers, both professional and lay persons; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the tireless advocates and healthcare providers who spend so much of their time and resources battling this painful and destructive disease that affects so many; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2025, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.