Albany, NY – Joined by the unanimous legislature, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly announces the adoption of Resolution K1255, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month in the State of New York. Shining a light on the over 105,000 New Yorkers and nearly 1.5 million Americans who live with the often debilitating effects of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease for which no cure currently exists, and which causes the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissues, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and life-altering complications, this Resolution stands to honor their personal battles, and demonstrates the State’s commitment to increasing public and professional awareness of Lupus and its effects.

“Lupus is a disease that strikes quietly and often without warning, and for too many of our neighbors, it means a lifetime of uncertainty, pain, and unanswered questions,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to stand with those who are fighting this disease every single day, to advocate for more research, funding, and better outcomes, because every person living with chronic conditions deserves our full support.”

Lupus affects people of all backgrounds, but its burden falls most heavily on young people in the prime of their lives as well as women, who represent 90 percent of those diagnosed, as well as African-American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American, and Asian communities. For many, the path to diagnosis is long and painful. As lupus is notoriously difficult to identify, many patients suffer for years before receiving proper treatment as the disease's symptoms are often misunderstood even by medical professionals unaware of the disease's wide-ranging symptoms. With research and treatment development efforts underfunded relative to diseases of comparable severity, this Resolution reflects a broader call to action: for more awareness, more resources, and ultimately, a cure.

In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month, Assemblywoman Buttenschon encourages residents to join her and the Masonic Medical Research Institute and the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association at the 3rd Annual Lupus Walk this Saturday May 9th, at the Masonic Medical Community Campus, and lend your voice to the growing movement of advocates calling for accelerated research and expanded support for lupus patients.

“I am both honored and proud to once again join MMRI and the Lupus & Allied Diseases Association at this weekend’s Lupus Walk, as I remain optimistic that through persistent advocacy, heightened public awareness, and expanded support for research and education initiatives, like those underway here at MMRI in the Mohawk Valley, that we will accelerate treatment breakthroughs and ultimately, discover a cure,” said Buttenschon. “This month, and every month, I pledge to continue standing alongside those impacted by lupus, and advocate for a future where no one suffers from this disease.”