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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ACKNOWLEDGING LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH
WHERAS, in 1851 Lupus was defined as an autoimmune disease. Documented research leads to the advancement of the understanding and diagnosis of lupus as an autoimmune disease. There is no known cause of lupus, and;
WHERAS, women ages 15 to 44 of certain racial or ethnic groups including people who are African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander People who have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease are gravely impacted, and;
WHERAS, this inflammatory disease is caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues and affects the overall well-being of the person in many ways. It also impacts the physical, emotional, and economic aspects of a person’s life, and;
WHERAS, the history of lupus, although dating back at least to the Middle Ages, has experienced an explosion in this century, especially during the modern era over the past 60 years. It is hoped that this growth of new knowledge will allow a better understanding of immunopathogenesis of the disease and the development of more effective treatments, and;
WHERAS, over the last decade or so, there have been significant advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of lupus, and of the immunological derangements which lead to the clinical manifestations of the disease, and;
WHERAS, advances have been made in the assessment of the impact of the disease in general, and in minority population groups, in particular and efforts are being made towards defining lupus biomarkers which may help both to predict disease outcome and to guide treatments, and;
WHERAS, during the month of May the lupus community join together annually to raise awareness of the physical, emotional and economic impact of lupus, while raising funds to support lupus research, care, support services, and educational resources and programs, and;
WHERAS, purple is a combination of red and blue - the color red represents passion/motivation, and the color blue evokes a sense of calmness. Thus, purple is the color for lupus as it is the perfect blend of colors that represent the characteristics required to fight lupus. A purple butterfly is also the symbol for lupus, and;
WHERAS, Ms. Patricia Ann Betts had a very strong faith in God and shared a special bond with her family and friends. She cared deeply for people and expressed and immerse willingness to care for others, and;
WHERAS, Ms. Betts lost her battle with lupus on January 19, 2024, at the age of 53. Her life and legacy are a testimony of resilience and endurance, and;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, does hereby acknowledge May as National Lupus Awareness Month and honors those in search of a cure and live with disease every day, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be archived as a token of the esteem held by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
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