LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 11, 2015, as Pulmonary Fibrosis Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Pulmonary Fibrosis is a disease of the lungs which occurs when
lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred; when the tissue around the air
sacs in the lungs thickens, it is more difficult for oxygen to pass into
the bloodstream causing those with pulmonary fibrosis to become progres-
sively more short of breath; and
WHEREAS, Scarring associated with pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by
many factors making it difficult for doctors to pinpoint the specific
cause of the problem, and in most cases the cause is never found; when a
definite cause cannot be found, the condition is termed Idiopathic
Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF); and
WHEREAS, A lack of clinical understanding of IPF often leads to misdi-
agnosis, and it is estimated more than 50 percent of IPF patients may be
initially misdiagnosed delaying treatment and the ability to perform
adequate clinical trials; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated approximately 130,000 Americans have IPF
although there are published estimates suggesting the number may be as
high as 200,000; and
WHEREAS, IPF is found in equal proportions in urban and rural environ-
ments but affects more men than women; the median age at time of diagno-
sis is approximately 63 years-old; and
WHEREAS, Researchers have several theories on the causes of IPF
including viruses; exposure to tobacco smoke; airborne toxins in the
workplace such as silica dust, asbestos fibers, grain dust, bird and
animal droppings; certain lung diseases; and even some types of medical
treatments; since IPF often runs in families, heredity is also believed
to play a role; and
WHEREAS, The lung scarring that occurs in pulmonary fibrosis cannot be
reversed and no current treatment has proved effective in stopping the
progression of the disease although some treatments may improve symptoms
temporarily or slow the disease's progress; and
WHEREAS, Lung transplantation may be the option of last resort for
patients with severe IPF; and
WHEREAS, Robert "Chip" Hamilton, a distinguished and profoundly loved
civic leader in the Town of Peru, Clinton County, died on January 27,
2011, following a valiant battle with IPF including a right lung trans-
plant performed in October of 2010; and
WHEREAS, Chip's family is sponsoring a half-marathon and a 10K in his
honor to be held on October 10, 2015, to raise money for research to
assist in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative there be greater public awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to encourage research
and activity at the State, local and national levels to support the
patients as well as their families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, This this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 11, 2015, as
Pulmonary Fibrosis Day 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 the family of Robert "Chip" Hamilton.