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May 2012 and Thursday, May 10, 2012: Lupus Awareness Month and Lupus Day
WHEREAS, lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that, for unknown reasons, causes the immune system to attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues, including the skin, lungs, blood, kidneys, heart and brain; generally, there are four recognized forms of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus; and,
WHEREAS, often times, lupus is difficult to diagnose because many of its signs and symptoms mimic those of other ailments and illnesses; and,
WHEREAS, the most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure, shortness of breath and a butterfly-shaped rash on the face; and,
WHEREAS, during this month and on this day, we join with numerous individuals, families, support groups and organizations to raise awareness of lupus in Michigan; we encourage all citizens to learn more about this disease and to support the many individuals and groups that provide lupus advocacy, research and services;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2012 as Lupus Awareness Month and Thursday, May 10, 2012 as Lupus Day.
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