What is Lupus?
HIV, AIDS, Breast Cancer, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, etc…all "household" names of life threatening diseases. We have been educated and well aware of the warning signs that can lead to possible death. Autoimmune Disorder, Connective Tissue Disease, Inflammatory Diseases, etc…are common names connected to the silent disease named LUPUS. LUPUS which means "wolf" in Latin is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, kidneys, organs and blood. Reported as of the year 2000, it is estimated that 16,000 Americans develop LUPUS each year and 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed.
LUPUS is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. More people have LUPUS than AIDS. Men and women of childbearing age are diagnosed with this disease. About 5% of children born to individuals with LUPUS will develop the disease. There are three (3) different kinds of LUPUS that a person can be diagnosed with. Cutenaeous Discoid LUPUS - which affects the skin and can lead to permanent scarring of the skin and body. Drug-Induced LUPUS - caused by certain prescription medications, which will go away after a person stops taking the medication.
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A nice summer afternoon at the sweet age of 16, I remember being taken to the hospital. I spoke, it was jumbled. I began to stutter and my body began to shake uncontrollably, "I-I-I need t-t-to go to the hos-pi-pi-tal." I said to a friend. My shoes and clothes were being put on for me. I felt like I was constantly falling to the left.
Events
| Check This Out... |
If you're like me and love the warm, cozy and comforting feeling of a fleece blanket, then you will definitely fall in love with a "Lupie Wrap!" My very good friend, Lupus sister, fighter and survivor, has designed and created these lovely customized fleece blankets to, "help fellow Lupus patients stay warm during hospitalizations" and they also make terrific gifts. There's also the option of a matching pillow with your purchase. To place an order and display your support, visit www.lupiehugs.com
Beginning April 14, 2010 through December 8, 2010 on every 2nd Wednesday of every month, Sign of The Whale restaurant will donate 13% of food and drink sales to the Lupus Foundation of Greater Washington (LFGW) Chapter. Sign of The Whale 15th Annual Symposium - May 1, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Taking Charge and Feeling Better Carnegie Endowment for International Peace This is a free event. To register please call (888) 349-1167 or email patientservices@lupusgw.org |
| Walk for Lupus Now - Raleigh, NC (Piedmont Chapter) |
On April 25, 2010, Raleigh, NC will host the "Walk for Lupus Now" walk for the cure. My sister has assembled a team that will help continue to raise funds for research support, education and support services for the millions of women, men and children affected by this illness. If you'd like to make a contribution to help her reach her goal of $1,000 please visit her link below. Every effort made in this battle is an effort much appreciated. http://walkforlupusnow.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=338182&u=338182-282556614&e=3129696699 |