Senator Kathleen Marchione’s Legislative Resolution observing March 21, 2014 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” in New York State unanimously passes Senate

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2014

Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, fitzpatr@nysenate.gov

Cell: (518) 542-2413, joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com   

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Senator Kathleen Marchione’s Legislative Resolution observing March 21, 2014 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” in New York State unanimously passes Senate

Senator Marchione’s resolution seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of Down syndrome

Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today spoke on the Senate floor in support of her Legislative Resolution observing March 21, 2014 as “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” in New York State. The bi-partisan resolution had unanimously passed the State Senate.

Senator Marchione’s resolution, J.3989, was co-sponsored by Senate Health Committee Chairman Senator Kemp Hannon and Senator Bill Larkin, and was opened up to all Senators for their co-sponsorship. The resolution memorializes Governor Cuomo to proclaim March 21, 2014, as “Down Syndrome Awareness Day in New York State,” in conjunction with the observance of “World Down Syndrome Day.” Senator Marchione’s resolution seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.

“Individuals with Down syndrome are some of the greatest people you will ever have the privilege of meeting. They possess a wide range of abilities, and are loving, generous and gifted souls. I am proud to have sponsored this resolution and am honored that so many of my colleagues joined me in making this a bi-partisan effort,” Senator Marchione said.

“Since my time on the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds of wonderful individuals who happen to be diagnosed with Down Syndrome,” said Senator Libous. “I’ve had the honor of being Honorary Chairman of the Statewide Special Olympics on two occasions. The athletes are some of the happiest and most inspirational people I have ever encountered. I’m extremely proud to support Senator Marchione’s resolution commemorating World Down Syndrome Day.” 

“At the Center for Disability Services we welcome individuals with disabilities including those with Down syndrome. All people, regardless of disability, are important members of our community and we honor the spirit of people who have Down syndrome and thank them for their many contributions. We appreciate and support this resolution introduced by Senator Marchione memorializing Governor Cuomo to proclaim March 21, 2014 as ‘Down Syndrome Awareness Day’ in New York State,” said Alan Krafchin, President & CEO at the Center for Disability Services.

Facts about Down syndrome:

·         An estimated six million people have Down syndrome worldwide;

·         One in every 691 babies born in the United States are afflicted with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic disorder in the nation;

·         Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome; and

·         Nearly 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year.

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