WHEREAS, 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 

WHEREAS, 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 

WHEREAS, 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 

WHEREAS, 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  

WHEREAS, 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; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize May 2026, as LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.