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.