LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 19, 2015, as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness
Day in New York State

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19, 2015, as Congenital
Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day in New York State, in conjunction
with National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The condition known as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
is a potentially life-threatening fetal deformation which allows abdomi-
nal organs to migrate to the chest cavity and constrict normal lung
development; and
WHEREAS, CDH affects as many as 1,600 infants, which is about 1 in
every 2,500 children annually in the United States, with substantial and
frequently fatal pulmonary, gastrointestinal and developmental conse-
quences; and
WHEREAS, These symptoms require long hospitalizations and intensive
home care resulting in individual medical bills; and
WHEREAS, In the most severe instances, the mortality rate of children
with CDH may reach 60 percent; and
WHEREAS, Despite a frequency as great as cystic fibrosis and spina
bifida, CDH is relatively unknown and has not been the subject of
research to the degree that its health and financial impacts demand; 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19, 2015, as
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day in New York State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Vincent and Jennifer Esposito; CHERUBS-The Association of Congen-
ital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research Awareness and Support; and The Alli-
ance of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Organizations.