LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 2016, as Sickle Cell 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 September 2016, as Sickle Cell
Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2016; and
WHEREAS, World Sickle Cell Day, celebrated on June 19th of each year,
is recognized globally and was created by the United Nations by resol-
ution; in the United States, September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness
Month, however it is not recognized in every state and is not recognized
globally; it is created by State representatives voting to recognize it
in their individual state; and
WHEREAS, Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that can
cause severe pain and result in damage to the brain and other vital
organs like the kidneys, liver, spleen and heart; and
WHEREAS, People who have the disease, but do not experience the symp-
toms are said to have the sickle cell trait; and
WHEREAS, The month of September has been devoted to raise awareness
for the estimated 100,000 Americans living with the disease; and
WHEREAS, Since Sickle Cell Awareness Month was created in 1983, every
child born in the United States is screened for the disease so that
those diagnosed can begin treatment right away; and
WHEREAS, The only known cure for sickle cell disease is through a
transplant of bone marrow or stem cells; and
WHEREAS, Sickle cell disease is most common in Africans and African-
Americans, but the disease can also be found in other demographics,
primarily in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Mediterranean
countries and India; approximately 1 in 12 African-Americans are diag-
nosed with the trait; and
WHEREAS, The most basic symptoms of sickle cell disease are fatigue,
shortness of breath and episodes of serious pain that will likely
require hospitalization; these symptoms will begin to show within the
very first year of a person's life if they have the disease and the pain
ranges from mild to very severe; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, 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 September 2016, as
Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month 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.