Posted: | March 10, 2014 01:44 PM |
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From: | Representative Harry Readshaw and Rep. John D. Payne |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution: Lupus Awareness Month & World Lupus Day in PA |
In the near future, we plan to offer a Resolution recognizing May 2014 as "Lupus Awareness Month" and May 10, 2014, as "World Lupus Day" in PA. As you may know, lupus is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which an unstable immune system begins to attack its own tissue and organs. It is estimated that lupus affects one out of every 185 people in America and over 65,000 Pennsylvanians. Although lupus can occur at any age and in either sex, 90 percent of people with lupus are women between the ages of 15 and 45, and minority women are disproportionately diagnosed with lupus compared to other demographics. While most people experience milder cases of lupus, this disease can be fatal. To this day, the causes of lupus are unknown and there are no known permanent cures for the disease. However, with early diagnosis and therapy, 80 to 90 percent of people with lupus can enjoy a normal life span. Increased awareness, treatment availability and improved diagnostic techniques are critical to the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Please join us in co-sponsoring this Resolution as we continue to draw attention to this very painful disease. If you have any questions, please see me directly or contact Margaret Tricarico at 717-772-5568, Democratic extension 6168, or mtricari@pahouse.net. Thank you! |
Introduced as HR708