LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 6, 2016, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of the first Annual World Lymphedema Day

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days of
awareness of important medical conditions, in the hopes of increasing
education, treatment and cure; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2016, as Lymphedema Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the first
Annual World Lymphedema Day; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the body's natural
Lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked, or does not develop prop-
erly and the Lymphatic fluid within a given area, such as the arm, leg,
torso, head and neck, is unable to drain properly; this results in
extreme swelling that impairs mobility, function, and can cause pain and
significantly impair quality of life for the affected person; and
WHEREAS, The total number of persons living with or at risk for Lymp-
hedema is difficult to establish because Lymphedema is under-reported
and often misdiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Under-diagnosing and under-treating of Lymphedema patients
cost healthcare providers and healthcare insurers, including Medicare,
untold millions of dollars every year because if left untreated, the
potential for infection is greatly increased and may come on in the
course of a few hours and requires immediate treatment on an emergency
basis; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization estimates that over 150 million
people worldwide have secondary Lymphedema and an additional 120 million
people worldwide are infected with lymphatic filariasis, which leads to
Lymphedema; and that Stanford University estimates that up to ten
million Americans are affected by Lymphedema; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema can be inherited, present at birth or manifest
itself later in life as in primary Lymphedema; or develop after cancer
treatment, radiation therapy, major surgery, severe burns or other trau-
matic injuries such as those affecting our combat tested veterans,
referred to as secondary Lymphedema; and
WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control estimates that 20%-40% of all
cancer survivors will develop Lymphedema at some point in their life-
time, with an even higher percentage among the elderly; and
WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute predicts a 42% increase in
cancer survivors 65 years of age and older by 2020, and as many as 1.5
to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are cancer survivors will
require treatment for Lymphedema; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical and psychological
impact that Lymphedema has on those afflicted, it is incumbent upon the
citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals
living and coping with this debilitating condition as well as their
caregivers, both professional and lay persons; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
tireless advocates and healthcare providers who spend so much of their
time and resources battling this painful and destructive condition that
affects so many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2016, as World
Lymphedema Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.