Assembly Resolution No. 2300

BY: M. of A. Rules (Kelles)

LEGISLTIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Ehler Danlos
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Ehler Danlos
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Ehler Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue,
the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective
tissue disorders; symptoms of this life-altering condition include joint
hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility; and

WHEREAS, The most common form of EDS is hypermobile EDS, and other
types include classical EDS, vascular EDS, and kyphoscoliotic EDS; for
some, the symptoms can be relatively mild, while for others the
condition can be disabling; and

WHEREAS, People with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) experience joint
hypermobility, loose and unstable joints that dislocate easily, joint
pain and clicking joints, extreme tiredness, skin that bruises easily,
digestive problems, dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing
up, problems with internal organs, and problems with bladder control;
and

WHEREAS, Classical EDS (cEDS) affects the skin and people with cEDS
may have joint hypermobility, loose and unstable joints, stretchy skin,
fragile skin that can split easily, smooth and velvety skin that bruises
easily, wounds that are slow to heal and leave wide scars, and hernias
and organ prolapse; and

WHEREAS, Vascular EDS (vEDS) is a rare type of EDS and is considered
to be the most serious, affecting the blood vessels and internal organs;
people with vEDS may have skin that bruises easily, thin skin with
visible small blood vessels, fragile blood vessels that can bulge or
tear, internal bleeding, risk of organ problems, and hypermobile fingers
and toes; and

WHEREAS, Kyphoscoliotic EDS (kEDS) is a rare type of EDS, where
people may have curvature of the spine, joint hypermobility, loose and
unstable joints, weak muscle tone, fragile eyes that can be easily
damaged, and soft and velvety skin that is stretchy and bruises easily;
and

WHEREAS, There is no specific treatment for EDS, but it is possible
to manage symptoms with the help of support and advice from healthcare
professionals; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious disease, 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 Ehler Danlos
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.