THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING OCTOBER 2005 AS

LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH

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WHEREAS, Systematic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly called lupus, is a chronic, complex, often life-threatening autoimmune disease; and

WHEREAS, lupus strikes women in the prime of their lives, ages 16-45, affecting all aspects of their lives – family, education, career, education; and

WHEREAS, more people have lupus than AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Cystic Fibrosis combined; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis and proper treatment is critical to the improvement of the quality of life and survival rate of lupus sufferers; and

WHEREAS, lupus impacts more than just the life of a patient it affects their family, friends, co-workers, employers, and the community; and

WHEREAS, researchers estimate over 5 million people have been diagnosed with lupus or related diseases in the United States and approximately 100,000 more are diagnosed every year; and

WHEREAS, increased public awareness, education, and research are key to winning the battle against lupus; and

WHEREAS, Lupus International was founded in 1983 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of eradicating lupus by supporting lupus research, alleviating suffering for lupus patients through patient services and promoting early detection of undiagnosed cases through raising awareness of the disease; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby designates the month of October 2005 as “Lupus Awareness Month” and further wish to Lupus International every success in the future.

Dated: October 18^th, 2005

SUPERVISORS:

RICHARD S. GORDON, PRESIDENT

MARK CHURCH

JERRY HILL

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors