Source: State of New York
Senate Resolution No. 99
Date: January 14, 2025
Author: Governor Kathy Hochul of State of New York
URL:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/J99
Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the
State of New York
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WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses
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 is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Day is observed every year on May 12th to
support and recognize people with this disease and other chronic
immunological and neurological diseases by raising awareness and
providing useful information; and
WHEREAS, On May 12, 2025, people from across the world are encouraged to
wear blue to raise awareness and show support for people with ME/CFS,
their families and caregivers, and researchers who study this disease;
and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a serious, long-term illness that affects multiple
body systems; people with this illness suffer from inability to perform
usual activities associated with extreme fatigue, post-exertional
malaise or PEM, sleep problems, and other problems with thinking and
concentrating, pain, and dizziness; and
WHEREAS, In 2018, it was reported 1 to 2.5 million Americans of all
ages, races and genders are living with ME/CFS, and approximately
62,000-152,000 people in New York; and
WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for
years or decades due to a lack of treatments, leaving 25% of patients
housebound or bedbound, with many students unable to attend school and
75%-85% of patients unable to work, costing the economy of New York
State millions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine noted a lack of knowledge
about the disease due to a lack of research and funding for research,
owing largely to a lack of awareness of the disease; and
WHEREAS, The National Academy of Medicine stated that as a result of
this lack of awareness and research, many patients encounter medical
professionals who doubt the existence of their disease and have
tremendous difficulty being properly diagnosed and accessing appropriate
medical care; and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a tragic, disabling disease which destroys the lives
of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families, friends,
and caretakers; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase awareness
and funding at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue 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.
