City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (collectively referred to as myositis) are rare, chronic, autoimmune muscle wasting diseas es and, often features debilitating muscle inflammation and other symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and trouble swallowing and m ay result in myositis - associated interstitial lung disease; and
WHEREAS, more research is needed to identify the causes of and modes of treatments for the myositis group of diseases, which includes anti -MDA5 autoantibody positive myositis; antisynthetase syndrome; dermatomyositis; juvenile dermatomyositis; immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy; inclusion body myositis; and polymyositis; and
WHEREAS, myositis is difficult to diagnose, so treatment is often delayed, and individuals generally experience difficulty finding a health care provider with expertise in their condition and all who suffer with myositis experience reduced quality of life and a shortened life expectancy; and WHEREAS, the Myositis Association (TMA) is the leading international patient advocacy organization serving the myositis community, focusing on patient services, education, research, and public awareness, so as to achieve a world without myositis.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA M. GILLMOR, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the City of Santa Clara, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026, as
MYOSITIS AWARENESS MONTH
in the City of Santa Clara and all residents are encouraged to come together, learn more about all the forms of myositis and its symptoms, and support the families in our community who will benefit from greater awareness of these rare diseases.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Santa Clara, California, this 19th day of May 2026.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR, CITY OF SANTA CLARA
ALBERT GONZALEZ
VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 1
RAJ CHAHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 2
KAREN HARDY
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 3
KEVIN PARK
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 4
SUDS JAIN
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 5
KELLY G. COX
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 6
Proclamation