Union County recognizes May 2025 as Lupus Awareness Month with resolution presentation

The Union County Board of County Commissioners held a meeting on May 19, 2025, where they recognized May as Lupus Awareness Month. The meeting featured a presentation led by Commissioner Williams and Chairwoman, highlighting the significance of raising awareness about lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects over five million people globally, particularly women of childbearing age.

The resolution presented during the meeting emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for lupus, which can lead to debilitating symptoms and life-threatening complications. It also acknowledged the vital role of the Lupus Foundation of America in providing support, education, and advocacy for those affected by the disease.

Charlotte Deacate, a representative from the Lupus Foundation, accepted the resolution and expressed gratitude for the support from the county. She was accompanied by lupus advocates Lenore Snead and Larry Graham, who shared their personal experiences with the disease. Deacate underscored the need for increased awareness and research, noting her own seven-year journey to diagnosis.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to support lupus awareness efforts, reinforcing the message that while individuals may have lupus, it does not define them. The resolution serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living with lupus and the importance of collective efforts to improve their quality of life.