Senate Resolution No. 1565

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, 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 2024, 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, 2024, 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 2024, 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.