LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2016, as Huntington's Disease 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 May 2016, as Huntington's
Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Huntington's Disease Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Huntington's disease is a devastating, hereditary, degenera-
tive brain disorder for which there is presently no effective treatment
or cure; and
WHEREAS, Huntington's disease slowly diminishes the affected individ-
ual's ability to walk, think, talk and reason, eventually making the
person totally dependent upon others for his or her care; and
WHEREAS, Huntington's disease profoundly affects the lives of entire
families emotionally, socially and economically; and
WHEREAS, Currently, more than a quarter of a million Americans have
been diagnosed with Huntington's disease or are "at risk" of inheriting
the illness from an affected parent; and
WHEREAS, The Albany affiliate of the Huntington's Disease Society of
America was formed in 2011 with a mission of bringing awareness to the
general public regarding Huntington's disease and to raise funds to be
used for research, care and education; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
Huntington's Disease, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, state and national levels to support those afflicted as well as
their families and caregivers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as
Huntington's Disease 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 Albany affiliate of the Huntington's Disease Society of
America.