K 498: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 498 BY: M. of A. Shimsky MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months which are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues that affect the lives of citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Williams Syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition present at birth and can affect anyone; it is characterized by various medical issues, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities; these medical conditions often coincide with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that Williams Syndrome impacts one in every 10,000 individuals worldwide, including as many as 30,000 within the United States; it is known to occur equally in both males and females and in every culture; and WHEREAS, As children with Williams Syndrome grow, many struggle with issues like spatial relations, numbers, and abstract reasoning which can render performing daily tasks a challenge; and WHEREAS, In adulthood, individuals with Williams Syndrome will often need supportive housing and other resources to reach their full potential; with these supports, they can contribute greatly to their communities as volunteers or paid employees in numerous fields; and WHEREAS, Camille Fortunato, as a parent of a child with Williams Syndrome, began a quest for appropriate educational and therapeutic services for her son, Anthony; and WHEREAS, Camille Fortunato's son, Anthony, was very ill when he was born, and doctors were initially unable to determine what the underlying issue was; she and her husband, Stefano Filippazzo, took Anthony to see cardiologists, pulmonologists, and critical care physicians; it took years of excruciating searching to finally find the diagnosis for this rare disease; and WHEREAS, Upon receiving Anthony's diagnosis, Camille Fortunato and Stefano Filippazzo embarked upon a commendable pursuit to raise awareness and capital for the Williams Syndrome Association; over the years, they have participated in a variety of very successful fundraising events; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1982, the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA) provides support to individuals with Williams Syndrome, as well as their families, connecting them with professionals and other individuals who can assist them in coping with the condition; and WHEREAS, Through this organization's efforts of raising public awareness, funding critical new research, and providing valuable information and support to families, the Williams Syndrome Association has improved the quality of life and futures of those affected by Williams Syndrome; and WHEREAS, The Williams Syndrome Association, along with the families and friends of those afflicted with Williams Syndrome, are to be commended for their hard work, compassion, and dedication to educating the citizens of the State of New York about this rare disorder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Williams 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.