K 260: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2025, as Purple Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 260 BY: M. of A. Walsh MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2025, as Purple Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues which 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 hereby memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2025, as Purple Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Purple Day; and WHEREAS, Epilepsy Awareness Day has become known as Purple Day as people are encouraged to wear the color to increase awareness of Epilepsy; and WHEREAS, Celebrated annually on March 26th, Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, was created to increase the public's understanding of this brain disorder and to eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it; and WHEREAS, With over 3.5 million people diagnosed with epilepsy in the United States and over 50 million worldwide, it is likely you know someone living with the day-to-day challenges epilepsy brings; the good news is epilepsy can be easily managed if diagnosed and treated correctly, so awareness and research are important; and WHEREAS, Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia, Canada, founded Epilepsy Awareness Day with the first event held on March 26, 2008; she decided to use the color purple because lavender is recognized as the international flower of epilepsy; and WHEREAS, Motivated by her own diagnosis and struggles of living with epilepsy, Megan realized the importance of everyone understanding this common neurological disorder; she then created an avenue for people to learn, engage, and support the public's education of epilepsy as well as dispel the myths and fears surrounding it; and WHEREAS, Epilepsy is caused by electrical disturbances in the brain resulting in seizures of various types; it can be a scary condition to people who do not understand what is going on, which has led to many unnecessary assumptions and even laws about the disease and the capabilities of those who live with it; and WHEREAS, Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder after migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer's; estimates show that one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their life; and WHEREAS, In 2009, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation partnered with the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia to launch Purple Day, bringing more collective attention and structured campaigns to the purpose of the day in the United States and internationally; more than 100,000 students, 95 workplaces, and 116 politicians participated in Purple Day events that same year; and WHEREAS, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation trademarked Purple Day in 2011, and it has continued to expand its reach since; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity 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 March 26, 2025, as Purple Day 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.