Byrne Delivers Assembly Resolution to Constituent

On Friday, October 25th, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) met with constituent and Putnam County resident, Marianne DeMasi Chaluisan to deliver a resolution he passed in the Assembly raising awareness for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). CRPS is a rare disease characterized by acute pain, swelling and tenderness of a limb, and extreme cases can result in loss of mobile use of a limb. With fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States yearly, there is very limited research and awareness on CRPS/RSD.

Byrne's resolution declared November 2019 as CRPS/RSD awareness month in New York State.  The resolution had strong bipartisan support, including longtime Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Richard Gottfried, as well as the committee’s ranking member Andrew Raia. The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on May 6th, 2019. Each year, the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) dedicates the first Monday of November as “Color the World Orange Day” to raise awareness.

“During this past legislative session, I was approached by a friend of Ms. DeMasi Chaluisan, who explained what Marianne was forced to endure on a regular basis.  After asking what our office could do to help, I was happy to introduce and pass this resolution by working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to raise greater public awareness in our state about CRPS/RSD and those who suffer from it.” said Assemblyman Byrne

"I'd like to thank Assemblyman Byrne's advocacy for people who are dealing with this debilitating disease. CRPS/RSD is still not well-known publicly and we need further medical research to improve treatment and find a cure. It's an invisible condition. People on the outside cannot see the pain people suffering from CRPS/RSD live through on the inside. By introducing a resolution and gaining support from his Assembly colleagues, Assemblyman Byrne is helping move our awareness campaign forward." said Mahopac resident Marianne DeMasi Chaluisan.