K 1604: Recognizing the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation

 Assembly Resolution No. 1604 BY: M. of A. Fitzpatrick RECOGNIZING the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize individuals and organizations who work to increase awareness of serious health concerns 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 recognize the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation; and WHEREAS, Paige Elizabeth Keely was born on May 24, 2011, in New York, and brought immense joy, love, and light to her family, friends, and community as a vibrant and compassionate child affectionately known as "Paigey Bean"; and WHEREAS, On January 8, 2018, at just six years old, Paige Elizabeth Keely tragically passed away from complications of a ruptured, undetected brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital condition that often remains silent until a life-threatening event occurs; and WHEREAS, In the wake of this profound loss, Paige Elizabeth Keely's mother, Gina Keely, and her family established The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of brain AVMs, aneurysms, and other neurological conditions, supporting affected families, and advancing critical research focused on early detection and prevention; and WHEREAS, An arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of blood vessels that can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, and creates irregular connections between arteries and veins, ultimately disrupting blood flow and prevents tissues from receiving oxygen; and WHEREAS, Tangled blood vessels in an AVM do not form properly and can weaken and burst, potentially causing bleeding in the brain, which can lead to a stroke or brain damage; and WHEREAS, The cause of arteriovenous malformations is not clear; most individuals with AVMs are born with them, however, these anomalies can form later in life; and WHEREAS, Symptoms of brain AVMs include headaches and seizures; brain AVMs can be found with a brain scan and can be treated to prevent complications such as hemorrhaging, brain damage, and stroke; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that citizens of New York State and beyond recognize the symptoms and severity of this condition; and WHEREAS, The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation has partnered with leading institutions, including Stony Brook Medicine's Mofakham-Mikell Laboratory, to advance groundbreaking research into non-invasive imaging and innovative early detection methods that may help prevent future tragedies; and WHEREAS, The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation works with great passion and foresight to increase public awareness of AVMs and related neurological conditions, promoting education and screening efforts, as well as underscoring the importance of continued medical research and compassionate community support; and WHEREAS, Through advocacy, education, and remembrance, Paige Elizabeth Keely's legacy continues to inspire hope, resilience, and lifesaving awareness throughout the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation for its dedicated efforts in raising awareness about arteriovenous malformation; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gina Keely and The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation.