Assembly Resolution No. 519

BY: M. of A. Giglio JM

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2023, as Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months and days that are set aside to increase awareness of
serious issues that affect the lives of residents 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 2023, as
Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Spondyloarthritis is the name given to a family of closely
related, chronic rheumatic diseases impacting 1 in 100 Americans; and

WHEREAS, Spondyloarthritis affects 3.2 million adults in the U.S.
and is a condition for which there is no known cure; and

WHEREAS, There are many impacted by the disease that unfortunately
remain undiagnosed due to inadequate awareness; and

WHEREAS, Spondyloarthritis includes ankylosing spondylitis,
psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis,
juvenile spondyloarthritis, undifferentiated spondyloarthritis,
peripheral spondyloarthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and
non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis; and

WHEREAS, A portion of people with spondyloarthritis will progress to
spinal fusion and will be prone to fractures, thoracic kyphosis, or
eroded peripheral joints occurring especially within the hips and
shoulders; and

WHEREAS, In addition, complications from spondyloarthritis may cause
serious inflammation in other organs including the heart, lungs, skin,
gastrointestinal tract, nerves, and eyes; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis is critical in effectively treating the
disease, preventing certain complications, reducing medical disability,
and improving quality of life and function for those impacted with
spondyloarthritis; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, an increase in awareness of spondyloarthritis
and its symptoms - with both medical professionals and the general
public - can increase the likelihood of earlier diagnosis with all of
its benefits to patients and society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023,
Spondyloarthritis 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.