Title
Proclamation for Lupus Awareness Month
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Lupus Awareness Month
May 2018
WHEREAS, More than five million people worldwide suffer from the devastating effects of lupus, and each year another 100,000 men, women and children will be diagnosed with this disease; and it is 2-3 times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native-Americans; and
WHEREAS, Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body particularly the skin, heart, joints and kidneys. 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, Lupus research shows that 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, which and strikes women about nine times more frequently than it does men; 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 managed with proper treatment; and
WHEREAS, Lupus impacts more than just the life of the patient; it affects the patient’s family, friends, coworkers, employers and community; and
WHEREAS, Existing public information and programs about Lupus in California remain inadequately disseminated and insufficient in addressing the needs of specific diverse populations and other underserved groups; and
WHEREAS, The Michigan Lupus Foundation, was founded as a nonprofit organization to alleviate suffering for lupus patients through patient and family services, achieve early dedication 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 improvements of the quality of life and survival rate of lupus sufferers. Increased public awareness, education and research are the key to winning the battle against lupus.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2018 as Lupus Awareness Month and extend heartfelt wishes to the Michigan Lupus Foundation for success in their core objectives in the future.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 7th day of May, 2018
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor