Assembly Resolution No. 1241

BY: M. of A. Miller ML

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October of 2018, as Cockayne Syndrome 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
health issues 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 hereby memorializes
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October of 2018, as Cockayne
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Cockayne syndrome, a genetic disease that has no known cure
and significantly shortens life spans, is a rare disorder characterized
by an abnormally small head size (microcephaly), failure to gain weight
and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive) leading to very short
stature, and delayed development; and

WHEREAS, Affected children are usually extremely happy and content,
friendly, inquisitive and very social; and

WHEREAS, The signs and symptoms of this condition are usually
apparent from infancy, and worsen over time; most affected individuals
have an increased sensitivity to sunlight, and in some cases, even a
small amount of sun exposure can cause a sunburn or blistering of the
skin; and

WHEREAS, Other signs and symptoms often include hearing loss, vision
loss, severe tooth decay, bone abnormalities, hands and feet that are
cold all the time, and degenerative changes in the brain; and

WHEREAS, Cockayne syndrome is estimated to occur in two to three per
million newborns in the United States and Europe; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase awareness 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 October of 2018, as
Cockayne Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

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