Resolution 140395

..Title Proclaiming May as Lupus Awareness Month and Celebrating and Recognizing May 15, 2014, as "Put on Purple Day" in the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, The first Lupus awareness observance occurred in 1977, followed by the first month-long observance occurring in 1986 and May ultimately being designated by the Lupus Foundation of America in 2009 as Lupus Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, World Lupus Day has been recognized internationally since 2004 on May 10th as a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services; and WHEREAS, The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) and its Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter ask the Lupus community to Band Together for Lupus Awareness and wear purple on May 15 to bring additional attention to this disease; and WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of the LFA offers educational courses to teach those with Lupus how to live better and be proactive in their healthcare and participates in the national Walk for Lupus Now to raise critically needed funds and awareness for the disease during May; and WHEREAS, 1.5 million Americans and more than 66,000 citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are affected by Lupus; and WHEREAS, Lupus, a chronic, autoimmune disease can damage any body parts; and WHEREAS, The causes of Lupus remains unknown, however scientists believe that hormones, genetics, and environment are involved; and WHEREAS, While no hormone, gene or group of genes has been proven to cause Lupus, estrogen production, which is higher in females, plays a role in Lupus; and WHEREAS, Certain families and ethnic groups (African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Pacific Island descent) have a greater risk of developing Lupus; now, therefore, be it; RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That is proclaims May as Lupus Awareness Month and celebrating and recognizing May 15, 2014, as "Put on Purple Day" in the City of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition of Lupus Awareness Month and "Put on Purple Day". ..End