Senate Resolution No. 2199

BY: Senator TEDISCO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, as Neurofibromatosis 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Neurofibromatosis Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Neurofibromatosis Month; and

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis (NF), a debilitating tumor disorder,
affects more than 130,000 Americans; and

WHEREAS, Neurofibromatosis Northeast has worked for over 30 years on
its mission to find a cure for NF; and

WHEREAS, With a mission to finding a treatment and cure for NF,
Neurofibromatosis Northeast promotes research, creates awareness and
supports those who are affected by NF; and

WHEREAS, Growing awareness of NF has resulted in increased
investment in research through private charities such as NF Northeast
and the NF Research Program in the Department of Defense which has
resulted in new clinical trials involving application of drugs which
have been shown to reduce malignant tumors in cancer; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, the FDA approved the use of Koselugo (selumetinib)
for treatment of NF1, and promising science using combination therapy,
gene therapy and bacterial therapy has led to new clinical trials
offering hope for families dealing with the uncertainties of NF; and

WHEREAS, Increased knowledge of NF will help initiate critical
research; NF patients and their families are determined to make
Neurofibromatosis a household word; and

WHEREAS, Proliferation of awareness about NF has helped educate
clinicians regarding the disease and treatment, and has enhanced
opportunities for patients to receive treatment from knowledgeable local
clinicians such as Drs. Lauren Weintraub and Katharine Halligan of the
Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center; 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 May 2024, as
Neurofibromatosis 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.