Sjögren’s Awareness Day

WHEREAS, Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic disease that affects as many as four million Americans; and

WHEREAS, Sjögren’s symptoms frequently overlap with or mimic those of other diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis, often making it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, approximately 48,000 Alabamians battle Sjögren’s and approximately 400,000 Alabamians battle autoimmune diseases; and

WHEREAS, Sjögren’s syndrome is the second most common autoimmune disease, behind arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Sjo Bham, under the direct supervision of the National Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, is working diligently within the state of Alabama to raise awareness of the disease in both the patient and medical communities, to raise awareness of the impact that this disease has on patients, their families, and on the medical system in the state of Alabama and to raise awareness for the need of more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim July 23, 2014, as

Sjögren’s Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama.