Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare and severe autoimmune disease that can cause an individual to have a low platelet count, which may cause bruising, bleeding and fatigue. Researchers refer to ITP as “mysterious” due to being unable to determine a cause and a cure. As a result, individuals have to undergo numerous treatments before they are able to find one that is most effective for their specific condition.
 
The Platelet Disorder Support Association honors September as ITP Awareness Month to bring more attention to ITP, its side effects, and support those impacted by it. In support of those whose lives have been abruptly changed by this disease, I plan to introduce a resolution recognizing September 2026 as “ITP Awareness Month” here in Pennsylvania.
 
In extreme cases, individuals have to undergo surgical procedures or blood transfusions to increase their platelet count, however, these methods are not guaranteed to be effective for each individual. Currently an estimated 50,000 individuals in the U.S. live with the uncertainty of not knowing how long their condition will last, what treatments are effective for them and what caused them to have this autoimmune disease.
 
Please join me in spreading awareness of ITP and to create better outcomes for those who are impacted by this condition.