Senate Resolution No. 194

BY: Senator PERSAUD

COMMEMORATING the 31st Anniversary of Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness
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
commemorate the 31st Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York; 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, 2023, 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 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
commemorate the 31st Anniversary of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York.