Senator Walczyk Wears Purple Bow Tie for Lupus Awareness

Senator Mark Walczyk is donning a purple tie today to spread awareness for Systemic lupus erythematosus, referred to as SLE or Lupus. Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that causes systemic inflammation which affects multiple organs. According to the American College of Rheumatology, in addition to affecting the skin and joints, it can affect other organs in the body such as the kidneys, the tissue lining the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium), and brain. Many patients experience fatigue, weight loss, and fever.

The CDC explains that Lupus can affect everyone differently and can affect nearly every organ in your body. Lupus symptoms are typically flare ups that come and go and can arrive with no warning. Although there is no cure to Lupus, this chronic disease can be managed by formulating a plan with your doctor and identifying triggers and warning signs for flare ups.

“As May is Lupus Awareness Month, my Bow Tie Tuesday is tied to the cause. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of Lupus. This chronic disease is difficult to diagnose and there is currently no cure. It’s important to know the symptoms and understand preventative measures to fight against all forms of Lupus.” 

Senator Walczyk represents the 49th Senate District of New York State which encompasses either the entirety or part of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Herkimer, Hamilton, and Fulton counties. Bow Tie Tuesday is a fun initiative by the Senator to raise awareness to important issues and will be released each Tuesday on his website and social media.