Senate Resolution No. 221

BY: Senator MARTINS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 2025, as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days
of awareness for significant medical conditions with hopes of increasing
education as well as finding treatments and cures; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Marfan Syndrome
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Marfan syndrome is a potentially life-threatening genetic
aortic and vascular condition that affects the heart and blood vessels,
connective tissues, eyes, bones and joints, lungs, and other parts of
the body; one of the most dangerous parts of the condition is the impact
on the aorta, which is the large artery that takes blood away from the
heart; and

WHEREAS, In people living with Marfan syndrome and related
conditions, the aorta is prone to enlarge and 250 times more likely to
tear or rupture than in the general population, which can cause sudden
early death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical; and

WHEREAS, One in 5,000 to one in 10,000 people in the U.S. have
Marfan syndrome, but experts estimate that about half of these
individuals are not yet diagnosed; and

WHEREAS, The Marfan Foundation's mission is to save lives and
improve the quality of life for people living with Marfan syndrome and
related conditions while building community by funding research,
education, and support; and

WHEREAS, The Marfan Foundation convenes experts and educates the
healthcare community to foster medical advances, increase early
diagnosis, medical monitoring and life-saving treatment, while providing
unwavering support to people living with Marfan syndrome and their loved
ones, and informing the general public about the signs and symptoms of
Marfan syndrome; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical, and
psychological impact of Marfan syndrome, it is incumbent upon the
citizens of the State of New York to support individuals living with
Marfan syndrome and related conditions, and to advocate for life-saving
treatments and research; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
tireless community members, advocates and healthcare providers who spend
so much of their time and resources working to ensure optimal quality of
life and longevity for those living with Marfan syndrome and related
conditions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Marfan
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.