“Someone you know has lupus.” Although it affects mostly females of child-bearing age, especially those of color, anyone, at any age, can get lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates that between 1.5 and 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. It is difficult to determine the number of cases or the number of people who die from complications of the disease because there is no current means of reporting or tracking. More Americans have lupus than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined. Yet awareness about lupus lags behind other illnesses making it one of America’s least recognized major diseases. Lupus is a major public health issue that requires national attention and action now.

 

The disease is most often characterized by a butterfly-shaped (malar) rash across the checks and nose. However, no two cases are exactly alike. Symptoms come and go and can mimic other diseases making lupus unpredictable and difficult to diagnose. For over half of the people with lupus it takes four or more years and three or more doctors to get a diagnosis. When the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues it causes damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood and brain. About 70% of lupus cases are systemic, the most severe form. Of those cases, about 50% will involve a major organ. Treatments save lives but can be worse than the symptoms of this debilitating disease. Regardless, early diagnosis and treatment are vital to reducing the physical and economic impact.

 

For more information go to www.lupusarizona.org 

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!