SR0137 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0137 LRB096 11931 KXB 23255 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Every day, an estimated 65,000 Illinoisans struggle with the disabling and life-altering impact of lupus, a chronic auto-immune disease; and

WHEREAS, Lupus occurs when the immune system is unbalanced, causing it to become destructive to any major organ or tissue in the body and is a serious disease that can damage vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain; and the disease can cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages, and organ failure leading to significant disability or death; and

WHEREAS, Lupus can be very unpredictable and is potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists; and

WHEREAS, Lupus can attack the body for years before the disease is diagnosed and symptoms mimic common illnesses and often are dismissed as nothing serious and more than half of the people with lupus suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Awareness of lupus is lowest among women 18-24, the age group most likely to develop the disease; and

WHEREAS, Late diagnosis and delayed treatment contribute to poor outcomes and increases morbidity and mortality; and

WHEREAS, While most Americans are aware of the signs and health risks of breast cancer or heart disease, relatively few are aware of lupus, that disproportionately strikes young women between the ages of 15 and 45; and

WHEREAS, Early recognition, diagnosis, and proper medical care of lupus can often prevent or reduce serious health complications, such as heart disease, strokes, seizures, and kidney failure; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness about lupus is important and can result in saving lives; it will provide hope for those living with lupus and comfort to those whose loved ones have lost their battle; it will inform the general public about the symptoms of lupus and possibly save lives; it will affirm the need for increased funding to researchers and medical professionals so they can continue their work to improve the outlook for lupus patients; and

WHEREAS, The month of May has been designated as Lupus Awareness Month, observed to disseminate medically sound information about lupus, increase public understanding of the physical, emotional, and economic impact of the disease and provide support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May of each year to be Lupus Awareness Month in the State of Illinois, and we encourage all citizens to increase awareness, education, and services for Lupus which each year affects thousands of Illinoisans; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Diane Herr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter headquartered in Chicago.