WHEREAS, More than five million people worldwide suffer from the devastating effects of systematic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as lupus, and each year another 100,000 young women, men, and children will be diagnosed with this disease; and
WHEREAS, Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body, particularly the skin, joints, heart, and kidneys; and
WHEREAS, Lupus research shows that close to two million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, affecting one out of every 185 people and striking adult women about 9 out of 10 times more than adult men; and
WHEREAS, While lupus is not infectious, rare, or cancerous, it affects more people than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis combined; and
WHEREAS, Although lupus ranges from mild to life-threatening and thousands of Americans who have lupus die each year, the majority of cases can be controlled with proper treatment; and
WHEREAS, There is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals and families affected by lupus; and
WHEREAS, The Lupus Foundation of Southern California in San Diego, the Lupus Foundation of Northern California in San Jose, and Lupus LA in Los Angeles were founded as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to alleviate suffering for lupus patients through patient and family services, achieve early detection of undiagnosed cases through awareness promotion, and achieve the eradication of lupus by supporting lupus research; and
WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical to the improvement of the quality of life and survival rate of lupus sufferers; and
WHEREAS, Increased public awareness, education, and research are key to winning the battle against lupus; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate designates the month of May 2016 as Lupus Awareness Month and extends heartfelt wishes to the Lupus Foundation of Southern California in San Diego, the Lupus Foundation of Northern California in San Jose, and Lupus LA in Los Angeles for success in their core objectives in the future; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Lupus Foundation of Southern California in San Diego, Lupus LA in Los Angeles, and the Lupus Foundation of Northern California in San Jose, and to the author for appropriate distribution.
Senate Resolution No. 65 read and adopted by the Senate April 25, 2016.
Attest: _______________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
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