CONSIDÉRANT, lupus is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that can cause significant damage to tissues and organs and, in some cases, can be life-threatening; and 

CONSIDÉRANT, approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus, with 9 out of 10 adults with lupus being women, most of whom are of childbearing age; and 

CONSIDÉRANT, lupus is two to three times more prevalent among African American, Hispanic/Latina, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women; and 

CONSIDÉRANT, medical research efforts into lupus and the discovery of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are under-funded in comparison with diseases of comparable magnitude and severity; and  

CONSIDÉRANT, there is a need to educate and support individuals and families affected by lupus and to increase awareness so those living with the disease can obtain a prompt diagnosis and medical treatment; 

MAINTENANT, DONC, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize May 2026, as LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH dans le COMMONWEALTH DE VIRGINIE, et j'attire l'attention de tous nos concitoyens sur cette célébration.