WHEREAS, The first lupus awareness observance occurred in 1977, followed by the first month-long observance occurring in 1986, and May ultimately being designated by the Lupus Foundation of America in 2009 as Lupus Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, World Lupus Day has been recognized internationally since 2004 on May 10th as a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services; and
WHEREAS, The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) and its Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter ask the lupus community to
Band Together for Lupus Awareness
and wear purple on May 18 to bring additional attention to this disease; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of the LFA offers educational courses to teach those with lupus how to live better and be proactive in their healthcare and participates in the national
Walk for Lupus Now
to raise critically needed funds and awareness for the disease during May; and
WHEREAS, Lupus, a chronic, autoimmune disease, can damage any body parts; and
WHEREAS, The causes of lupus remains unknown, however scientists believe that hormones, genetics (heredity), and environment are involved; and
WHEREAS, While no hormone, gene, or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus, estrogen production, which is higher in females, plays a role in Lupus and certain families and ethnic groups (African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Pacific Island descent) have a greater risk of developing lupus; and
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it honors May as Lupus Awareness Month and celebrates and recognizes Put on Purple Day on May 18, 2012; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be Presented as a Sincere Expression of City Council's Appreciation and Recognition of Lupus Awareness Month and Put on Purple Day.
End