LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016 as Multiple Sclerosis 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 March 2016 as Multiple Sclero-
sis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers place the highest priority on health-related
issues, including the various forms of auto-immune and neurological
conditions striking people of all ages, and one of the most prevalent is
multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects more than 400,000 Americans, with
an estimated 10,400 new cases diagnosed each year; and
WHEREAS, The combined impact of the four types of MS challenges the
lives of not only those diagnosed with the condition, but also their
friends, family and caregivers, adding significant health care costs
over the person's lifetime; and
WHEREAS, A number of non-profit health organizations, such as the Long
Island Chapter of the National MS Society, are dedicated to the ultimate
goal of eradicating multiple sclerosis and to serving those currently
living with the disease; and
WHEREAS, The National MS Society is steadfast in its efforts to find
cures for the disease through medical research, voluntary contributions
and public support; in New York State, the Society serves over 34,000
people living with MS by maintaining offices in Albany, Binghamton,
Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Westchester County, Long Island and New
York City to carry out its compassionate work on behalf of individuals
with the disease and to assist their family members; and
WHEREAS, Today, of the approximately 400,000 Americans diagnosed with
MS, most are between 20 and 50 years of age, making it the number one
disabling condition among young adults, and New York State is committed
to eliminating all auto-immune and neurological conditions, supporting
further medical research, and making quality medical treatment more
available; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing that good health is key to a long, productive and
fulfilling life, this Legislative Body encourages private efforts to
advance research and education programs that address MS, and supports
observances that raise public awareness concerning such critical health
matters as multiple sclerosis, with hopes of eliminating all forms of
this devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers have been diagnosed with this debilitating
disease; this Legislative Body recognizes the vital importance of the
National MS Society in providing excellence in care through awareness,
education and treatment, and its evident commitment to this mission;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016 as Multiple
Sclerosis 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 the Long island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society.