A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPACT OF LUPUS ON MILLIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY LUPUS WORLDWIDE AND on those IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AS WELL AS THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFORTS FOR FINDING THE CAUSES OF AND CURE FOR THE DISEASE, AND TO PROCLAIM MAY AS "LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to proclaim May as Lupus Awareness Month in order to promote the efforts of Crowning Lupus and the many organizations which help to raise funds in the hope of preventing and curing lupus and which help to educate the public about the symptoms and effects of lupus on those affected by the disease, as well as the many organizations which provide funding to lupus patients and their families; and

Whereas, lupus is a global health problem that affects people of every nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, and age.  The disease has a significant impact on the nation's healthcare system, due to the complexity of the disease and its treatment; and

Whereas, a chronic autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1.5 million Americans, lupus can damage any part or system of the body, such as skin, joints, and organs, and can have a devastating impact on patients and their families; and

Whereas, more than sixteen thousand new cases of lupus are reported each year, most of whom diagnosed are between the ages of fifteen and forty-four, with women of childbearing age comprising the largest number, but men, children, and teenagers develop lupus as well; and

Whereas, Crowning Lupus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and supporter of the Lupus Foundation of America, was formed as a voice for lupus patients and is dedicated to providing lupus education; supporting patients and their families; promoting awareness of the disease; funding research in order to find a cure for lupus; providing support groups, meal delivery services, and scholarships to the community at-large; and providing income for medical expenses; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the efforts of Crowning Lupus to encourage all South Carolinians to be aware of the serious and complicated health issues related to lupus, to improve patient healthcare services for those affected by the disease, to increase research into its causes, and to help find a cure for lupus.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize the impact of lupus on the millions of individuals affected by lupus worldwide and on those in the State of South Carolina, as well as the importance of efforts for finding the causes of and cure for the disease, and proclaim May as "Lupus Awareness Month" in the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jade Nealious, executive director of Crowning Lupus, and the organization's board members.

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