May 14, 2024: IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day

WHEREAS, while chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 7 Americans, a rare cause of this common condition is an autoimmune disease known as IgA nephropathy (IgAN), or Berger’s disease; and,

WHEREAS, IgAN occurs when immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that usually helps the body fight infection, builds up in the kidneys and clogs the tiny filtering units, leading to blood and protein in the urine and progressive loss of kidney function; and,

WHEREAS, there is currently no cure for IgAN, patients often face delays in being correctly diagnosed, and current treatments are only effective in slowing progression and preventing complications of the disease; and,

WHEREAS, approximately 30% of individuals diagnosed with IgAN will develop end-stage kidney disease and need dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive; and,

WHEREAS, transplants can greatly improve the quality of life for those with IgAN but do not guarantee that the disease won’t return and affect the new kidney, and patients need to continue to take medications to suppress the immune system; and,

WHEREAS, today there is hope on the horizon for IgAN patients, with multiple clinical trials underway and newly approved treatments; and,

WHEREAS, this day is designated to raise awareness of IgA nephropathy, provide support and inspiration to patients and their families, promote the research needed for better treatments and a future cure, and thank the IgA Nephropathy Foundation for their tireless work on this cause;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2024, as IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day in Michigan.