IL HR0232

Declares May 2025 as Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois

Spondyloarthritis affects 3.2 million adults in the U.S. (1 in 100 Americans), more than rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, and multiple sclerosis combined, with no known cure

Many patients, especially Black women, remain undiagnosed due to inadequate awareness, with average diagnostic delays of 7-10 years

The disease family includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and juvenile spondyloarthritis, typically beginning before age 45 with symptoms of lower back pain and joint stiffness

Fewer than 400 pediatric rheumatologists serve the U.S., requiring approximately one-fourth of the 300,000 children with arthritis to travel 80+ miles for specialist care