LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA KICKS-OFF LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH
Urges the Public to Take Action to Create a Future with NO LUPUS
During May the Lupus Foundation of America (Foundation) is urging the public to get to KNOW LUPUS and join the nationwide effort to raise awareness and funds to create a future with NO LUPUS.
Research shows that nearly two-thirds of the public knows little or nothing about lupus beyond the name. Lupus symptoms can be severe and highly unpredictable and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, painful or swollen joints, fever, and anemia.
“Increasing public awareness and understanding of lupus is critical to expanding resources and funding for lupus research, and ultimately ending the devastating impact of this disease,” Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “We can’t do it alone. We need everyone to KNOW LUPUS so we can create a future with NO LUPUS.”
Lupus Awareness Month provides people across the country with the opportunity to unite and raise awareness of this misunderstood disease. Celebrity advocates such as Whoopi Goldberg, Ian Harding, Susan Lucci and the cast of Marvels’ Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have also joined the effort and are featured in a series of public service announcements designed to increase public awareness and understanding of the disease.
Here are some ways you can get to KNOW LUPUS and Help Create a Future with NO LUPUS:
- Take the KNOW LUPUS Challenge: Play the KNOW LUPUS card game and test your understanding of this cruel disease and challenge others to KNOW LUPUS. Visit lupus.org/know.
- Participate in Put On Purple Day on Friday, May 20: Encourage patients, friends, family, co-workers to wear purple proudly on this day and tell people why
- Make Your Mark™ in the Fight Against Lupus: Host your own unique event to raise funds and awareness to support the millions of families affected by lupus. Visit lupus.org/makeyourmark to get started today.
- Walk to End Lupus Now®: Find a Lupus Foundation of America Walk event in your community, and put together a team of walkers. Every step raises money for lupus research and education programs. Visit WalkToEndLupusNow.org to learn more.
For more information about KNOW LUPUS and ways to take action and join the fight, visit the Lupus Foundation of America’s website at lupus.org/awareness.
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Media Contacts:
Tracy Cooley, APR, 202-349-1162, cooley@lupus.org
Maggie Maloney, 202-212-6766, maloney@lupus.org,
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 remains underfunded relative to diseases of similar scope and devastation.
About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is 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.lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.