THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING OCTOBER 2006 AS

LUPUS AWARNESS MONTH

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PROCLAIMED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

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

WHEREAS, lupus strikes women in their prime, ages 16-45, affecting all aspects of their lives – family, education, career; 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 U.S., and approximately 100,000 cases 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 goal of eradicating lupus by supporting lupus research, and alleviating suffering for lupus patients through support services and early detection of undiagnosed cases through awareness promotion,

NOW, THEREFORE, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors proclaims October 2006 as LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH, commends Lupus International for its efforts in support and advocacy for lupus patients and extends its best wishes for future success.

Dated: September 26, 2006

SUPERVISORS:

JERRY HILL, PRESIDENT

MARK CHURCH

RICHARD S. GORDON

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors