Designating May 10, 2018, as World Lupus Day, on which lupus organizations around the world call for an increase in public- and private-sector funding for medical research on lupus; education programs for health professionals, patients, and the public; and worldwide recognition of lupus as a significant public health issue.

WHEREAS, Each year, the Lupus Foundation of America designates May as National Lupus Awareness Month to show support for the estimated 1.5 million Americans who have lupus; and

WHEREAS, Lupus is a serious and incurable autoimmune disease that can cause life-threatening damage to any organ in the body; and

WHEREAS, Lupus is a global health problem that affects millions of young women, men, and children of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders and ages worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Many physicians are unaware of the symptoms and health effects of lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before they obtain a correct diagnosis and medical treatment; and

WHEREAS, Medical research efforts focused on lupus and the discovery and development of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are under-funded in comparison with diseases of similar magnitude and severity; and

WHEREAS, People with lupus will face a lifetime of living with the unpredictable and life-changing health effects of this disease; and,

WHEREAS, There is a deep, unmet need to educate and support individuals and families affected by lupus; and

WHEREAS, There is an urgent need to increase awareness in our community and communities worldwide of the devastating impact of lupus; and

WHEREAS, Citizens are urged to observe this month and this day by educating themselves on the symptoms and impact of lupus, and to join with the Lupus Foundation of America, Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter in supporting programs of research, education, and community service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby designates May 10, 2018, as World Lupus Day, on which lupus organizations around the world call for an increase in public- and private-sector funding for medical research on lupus; education programs for health professionals, patients, and the public; and worldwide recognition of lupus as a significant public health issue.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to the Lupus Foundation of America - Tri-State Chapter at their 11th Annual World Lupus Day rally on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in Thomas Paine Plaza.

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