Assembly Resolution No. 838

BY: M. of A. Thiele

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 2024, as Turner 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, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2024, as Turner
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Turner Syndrome Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Turner Syndrome is the second most common genetic disorder,
affecting 1 in 2,000 females; over 1,000 baby girls are born with the
Syndrome annually; and

WHEREAS, Discovered in 1938 by Dr. Henry Turner, Turner Syndrome is
a genetic condition that can only affect females in which she does not
have the usual pair of two X sex chromosomes; instead of the usual 46
chromosomes a person is born with, those with Turner Syndrome have cells
that are missing all or part of an X chromosome; and

WHEREAS, In about half of all individuals with Turner Syndrome, the
affected female has only one X chromosome; others may have two X
chromosomes, but one is incomplete; and sometimes a female has some
cells with two X chromosomes, but other cells have only one; and

WHEREAS, Ultimately, the specific cause of Turner Syndrome is
unknown because the gene on the X chromosome that is responsible for
most of the features of the chromosomal disorder is undetermined;
however, researchers have been able to identify the gene responsible for
short stature and skeletal abnormalities, which is the SHOX gene,
important for bone development and growth; and

WHEREAS, The signs of Turner Syndrome should be detected during a
girl's first few years of life for the best possible outcomes for
treatment; a variety of signs allude to the possibility of an individual
having this condition, such as a short stature and frequent ear
infections, which should signal the need for diagnostic testing for the
disorder; and

WHEREAS, There are many health concerns associated with a diagnosis
of Turner Syndrome, including: potentially fatal cardiovascular
diseases; reduced cognitive function; educational issues consisting of
difficulty with visual spatial tasks, memory, attention, as well as
other learning disabilities; risk of ovarian failure; type II diabetes;
hyporthyroidism; psychological issues like low self-esteem,
predisposition to age-specific problems, isolation, depression;
pregnancy complications; and hearing issues, along with many other
complications; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms that are prevalent among females with Turner
Syndrome often go untreated because of lack of education about the
signs, symptoms and possible treatments to improve overall quality of
life outcomes; by spreading awareness about this condition, those
affected by Turner Syndrome may be treated earlier to produce long-term
positive outcomes for the patient; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2008, the Turner Syndrome Foundation supports
research initiatives and facilitates educational programs that increase
professional awareness and enhance medical care of those affected by
Turner Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, 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 February 2024, as Turner
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Turner Syndrome Awareness Month; 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 and the Turner Syndrome Foundation.