World Lupus Day

WHEREAS, Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause severe damage to the tissue and organs in the body and in some cases death; and

WHEREAS, more than five million people worldwide suffer the devastating effects of this disease, and each year over a hundred thousand  young women, men and children are newly diagnosed with Lupus, a great majority of whom are women of childbearing age; and

WHEREAS, medical research efforts into Lupus and the discovery of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are under-funded in comparison with diseases of similar magnitude and severity; and

WHEREAS, many physicians worldwide are unaware of 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, there is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals and families affected by Lupus; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to increase awareness in communities worldwide of the debilitating impact of Lupus:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2011, as

World Lupus Day

in the state of the Alabama, on which Lupus organizations around the globe call for increases in public and private sector funding for medical research on Lupus, targeted education programs for health professionals, patients and the public, and worldwide recognition of Lupus as a significant public health issue.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 9th day of May 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley