Assembly Resolution No. 2246

BY: M. of A. Rules (Shimsky)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
the month of May 2024, as Williams 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
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim the month of May 2024, as Williams
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Williams Syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition present at
birth that can affect anyone and is characterized by medical issues,
including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning
disabilities; these medical conditions often occur side by side with
striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity
for music; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that Williams Syndrome impacts one in every
10,000 people worldwide, including as many as 30,000 in the United
States; it is known to occur equally in both males and females and in
every culture; and

WHEREAS, As children with Williams Syndrome grow, many struggle with
things like spatial relations, numbers, and abstract reasoning, which
can make daily tasks a challenge; and

WHEREAS, In adulthood, individuals with Williams Syndrome will often
need supportive housing and other resources to reach their fullest
potential; with these supports, they can contribute greatly to their
communities as volunteers or paid employees in a wide variety of fields;
and

WHEREAS, Twelve years ago, Camille Fortunato, as a parent of a child
with Williams Syndrome, began a quest for appropriate educational and
therapeutic services for her son, Anthony; and

WHEREAS, Her son Anthony was very ill when he was born, but doctors
were initially unable to determine what the underlying issue was; she
and her husband Stefano Filippazzo took Anthony to see cardiologists,
pulmonologists and critical care physicians; it took years of
excruciating searching to finally find the diagnosis for this rare
disease; and

WHEREAS, Upon receiving Anthony's diagnosis, his parents embarked
upon a commendable pursuit to raise awareness and capital for the
Williams Syndrome Association (WSA); over the years, they have
participated in a variety of very successful fundraising events; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1982, the Williams Syndrome Association provides
support to individuals with Williams Syndrome, as well as their

families, connecting them with professionals and others who can assist
them in coping with the condition; and

WHEREAS, Through this organization's efforts, from raising public
awareness, to funding critical new research, and providing valuable
information and support to families, the Williams Syndrome Association
has improved the quality of life and futures of those affected by
Williams Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The Williams Syndrome Association, along with the families
and friends of those with Williams Syndrome, are to be commended for
their hard work, compassion, and dedication to educating the state about
this rare disorder; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim the month of May 2024, as
Williams 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.