Assembly Resolution No. 2250

BY: M. of A. Rules (Wallace)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 5, 2024, as Ostomy Awareness Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions 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 October 5, 2024, as Ostomy
Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Ostomy Day; and

WHEREAS, Each year on the first Saturday of October, people
worldwide come together to celebrate World Ostomy Day, also known as
Ostomy Awareness Day; this day serves as a reminder of the resilience,
strength, and courage millions of individuals display each year living
with an ostomy; and

WHEREAS, Ostomy Awareness Day is a day to raise awareness, break
stigmas, and empower those living with ostomies to lead fulfilling
lives; and

WHEREAS, Ostomy surgery is a procedure that creates an opening, also
known as a stoma, in the abdomen; waste products are then expelled from
the body into an external pouch called an ostomy bag; this surgery is
often necessary for individuals who have had their colon, rectum, or
bladder removed due to medical conditions such as Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, or bladder cancer; and

WHEREAS, Living with an ostomy can be challenging, both physically
and emotionally; individuals with ostomies often face a range of issues,
including: body image concerns, dietary adjustments, skin irritations,
and emotional and psychological impact such as depression, anxiety, and
social isolation; and

WHEREAS, The reaction to intestinal or urinary diversion surgery
varies from one individual to the other; to some, it will be a problem,
to others, a challenge; where one person considers it life-saving,
another finds it a devastating experience; each person will adapt or
adjust in their own way and in their own time; 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 October 5, 2024, as Ostomy
Awareness Day 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.