Lupus Foundation of America Calls on the Public to Take Action to Expand Medical Research on Lupus

By: PRLog
May is Lupus Awareness Month; Nationwide Efforts Underway to Solve the 'Cruel Mystery'

PRLog - May 09, 2013 - MIAMI -- The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter is calling on all Americans to join the fight against lupus on World Lupus Day on May 10 and the entire month of May during Lupus Awareness Month and take action to help expand lupus research efforts. Lupus is a mysterious and devastating disease that ravages different parts of the body and has no known cause and no known cure.

The disease is more pervasive and more severe than people think, and has an impact that the public doesn't realize.  A recent survey revealed nearly three-fourths of Americans ages 18 to 34 –  those at the highest risk for lupus  –  have never heard of lupus or know little or nothing about lupus beyond its name.
Building awareness of lupus is essential to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this cruel disease that disproportionately affects minorities and women in the prime of their lives.

"Lupus is one of the most misunderstood diseases there is, and research to better understand the disease and discover effective treatment, along with educational programs, are greatly underfunded relative to the disease's scope and devastation," explains Amy Kelly-Yalden, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter. "Lupus needs our attention. We ask the community to educate themselves and get involved in helping us solve this cruel mystery for the over 100,000 Floridians and 5 million people worldwide living with lupus."

The Foundation also is empowering individuals, organizations, and companies to educate people in their communities about lupus and the need to expand lupus medical research. During May, the Foundation will provide free tools and resources online at lupusfl.org/awareness. Tools include reproducible fliers, daily facts about lupus, and web banner ads.  

One of many activities that will occur during Lupus Awareness Month is Put On Purple Day on Friday, May 17. Purple is the color used by the lupus community. The Foundation asks everyone to wear purple and tell others why they support people affected by lupus. Florida held the national record in 2012 for the most landmarks or buildings lit purple with four and this year a new record is set with nine. The following have joined the efforts this year:

May 1-3

SunTrust Building (Tampa)
University of South Florida's CAMLS Building (Tampa)

May 10

Miami Tower (Miami)
Lake Eola (Orlando)
DCOTA (Dania)

May 10-17
Amway Center (Orlando)


May 10-18
City Place Fountains (West Palm)
110 Tower (Fort Lauderdale)
Sailfish Fountain (Stuart)

May 17
DCOTA (Dania)

Other ways the public can join the fight to end lupus during Lupus Awareness Month include:

Walk to End Lupus NowTM  on May 18 at Mizner Park in Boca Raton – Corporate and family teams are encouraged to register for this family-friendly event and walk at walktoendlupusnowfl.com. Every step raises money for lupus research and education services.
Share Lupus Information with Friends, Family and Colleagues – Post fliers throughout the office and the community. Share daily facts about lupus or place a banner within newsletters, on websites, and on social media sites.
Attend the Miami Marlins’ Lupus Awareness Night on May 15 – Enjoy a night at Marlins Stadium and learn more about lupus. Kids eat free too! A portion of tickets sales bought at http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/mia/ticketing/supergroup.jsp... will be donated to the Foundation.

For more information about Lupus Awareness Month and ways to join the fight, visit the Lupus Foundation of America's website at lupusfl.org/awareness.

About Lupus Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus has not kept pace with research for other diseases of similar scope and devastation. For more information, visit lupusfl.org.

About the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter is part of the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Foundation at www.lupusfl.org or call 1-855-90-LUPUS. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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