LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim August 2015, as Spinal Muscular Atrophy 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 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 August 2015 as Spinal Muscular
Atrophy Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), is a rare genetic disease
found mainly in newborns and children; it is a disease that affects the
spinal nerves and causes weakness, especially in muscles closest to the
spine; and
WHEREAS, SMA is a motor neuron disease; the motor neurons affect the
voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walk-
ing, head and neck control, and swallowing; it is a relatively common
"rare disorder" and approximately one in 10,000 babies born are
affected, and about one in 50 people are genetic carriers; and
WHEREAS, SMA affects muscles throughout the body, although the proxi-
mal muscles are often most severely affected; weakness in the legs is
generally greater than in the arms, and sometimes feeding and swallowing
can be affected; and
WHEREAS, Involvement of respiratory muscles can lead to an increased
tendency for pneumonia and other lung problems, and sensation and the
ability to feel are not affected; and
WHEREAS, Intellectual activity is normal and it is often observed that
patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable; patients are gener-
ally grouped into one of four categories, based on certain key motor
function milestones; and
WHEREAS, SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic disease; in order for a
child to be affected by SMA, both parents must be carriers of the abnor-
mal gene and both must pass this gene on to their child; although both
parents are carriers, the likelihood of a child inheriting the disorder
is 25%, or one in four; and
WHEREAS, SMA crosses all racial, ethnic and gender boundaries and
although it is primarily diagnosed in children, it can affect people of
any age; and
WHEREAS, Formerly known as Families of SMA, Cure SMA, a grassroots
organization, is working to help raise awareness and funding for
research, education, advocacy, and patient services for this matter;
there are currently three chapters of Cure SMA in New York State, Cure
SMA of Greater NY, Cure SMA Greater NY- Capital Region Chapter and FSMA
Western New York; these chapters serve hundreds of family members
affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations which bring greater awareness
to physical health issues, and assist people in their quest to overcome
these obstacles, are a great benefit to the health and welfare of all
citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2015, as Spinal
Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in the State of New York; 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, and to Debbie Cuevas, Cure SMA.