CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
* Pocamation
WHEREAS, Systematic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly called lupus, is a chronic, complex, often life-threatening autoimmune disease; and
WHEREAS, Lupus Awareness Month is observed the month of May, was first celebrated in 1977, as Lupus Awareness Week in September, and was honored by President Jimmy Carter, who signed Public Law 95-72 which established a week-long observance in honor of raising awareness for lupus; and WHEREAS, lupus is a global health problem that affects millions of young women, men, and children of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders, and ages worldwide; and WHEREAS, there are an estimated 1.5 million Americans living with this cruel disease; and WHEREAS, lupus causes the body's defense system to attack healthy cells and tissues, instead of viruses and bacteria. This can damage many parts of the body such as the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain; and
WHEREAS, the color purple has become associated with lupus awareness. Purple is a combination of the passion of the color red and the calmness of the color blue. Purple is thought to pacify the mind and nerves, uplift the spirit, and provide the courage to fight; and WHEREAS, there remains low public awareness and understanding of lupus symptoms and health effects relative to its significant impact on the lives of people with lupus; and WHEREAS, this year for World Lupus Day on May 10, 2022 the global lupus community will come together for a day of action for the world to learn more about this debilitating disease and join the fight against lupus; and
WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America works to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim May 2022, to be Lupus Awareness Month and I encourage our residents to observe this month by learning about the symptoms and impact of lupus.
DATED this 3rd day of May, 2022.
John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa