Assembly Resolution No. 89 BY: M. of A. Paulin MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2023, as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing days of awareness for significant medical conditions with hopes of increasing education as well as finding treatments and cures; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2023, as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Marfan syndrome is a potentially life-threatening connective tissue condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, eyes, bones and joints, lungs, and other parts of the body; the most dangerous part of the condition is the impact on the aorta, which is the large artery that takes blood away from the heart; and WHEREAS, In affected people, the aorta is prone to enlarge and can tear or rupture, causing sudden early death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical; and WHEREAS, More than 200,000 people in the U.S. have Marfan and related conditions, but experts estimate that about half of these individuals are not yet diagnosed; and WHEREAS, The Marfan Foundation's mission is to save lives and improve the quality of life for people living with Marfan syndrome and related conditions by pursuing the most innovative research and ensuring that the cause receives proper funding; and WHEREAS, While keeping the medical community up-to-date to increase early diagnosis and ensure life-saving treatment, The Marfan Foundation also creates an informed public and educated patient community; in addition, the Foundation provides relentless support to families, caregivers, and healthcare providers; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the financial, physical, and psychological impact that Marfan syndrome has on those affected, it is incumbent of the citizens of the State of New York to support the courageous individuals living and coping with the condition, and to advocate for life-saving treatments and research; 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 syndrome that affects so many; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2023, as Marfan 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.