Assembly Resolution No. 145

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 6, 2017, as Lymphedema Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of the
second 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, In 2016, this Legislative Body was the first to establish
World Lymphedema Day on March 6th; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 6, 2017, as Lymphedema Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the second
Annual World Lymphedema Day; and

WHEREAS, Lymphedema is a disease that occurs when the body's natural
Lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked, or does not develop
properly and the Lymphatic fluid within a given area, such as the arm,
leg, torso, head or 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
Lymphedema is difficult to establish because Lymphedema is
under-reported and often misdiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, Under-diagnosing and under-treating of Lymphedema patients
costs 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
traumatic 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
lifetime, 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 their 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 disease 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, 2017, as World
Lymphedema Day in the State of New York; and be it further

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