Hi again everyone, and thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Please know that although the Lupus Alliance can use financial support; it means just as much to me if you rally behind me, or use their site as a resource to learn more about the disease.  If you can come out and walk on September 25, 2010 at Metro Beach, I say the more the merrier!   I would love to see a lot of familiar faces there , just to cheer me on and support the Alliance in spirit.

I know this is a very difficult time for many people -- especially for those of us in Michigan.  Imagine what it's like for those who are ill on top of suffering the same financial hardships many Michiganders do.  I know too many people who suffer with Lupus who need to stop working but can't afford to because they need their health care!  And if they do stop working for any reason, their chances of getting privately obtained health care is unlikely because of the cost and "pre-existing conditions". 

Let me add, from personal experience, it is no easy task to get disability insurance from the Social Security Administration.  It took me more than three years.  Those of us with Lupus generally don't have this kind of lag time to wait before beginning treatment.

I realize I've made this sound so hopeless!  In fact, we've made great strides in research on both the new treatment front (new meds!) and in understanding how Lupus works at the cellular and genetic levels.  These are both incredibly important breakthroughs, and I'm very hopeful that they will actually impact my quality of life!

We need more help.  In addition to financial help, we also need help in raising awareness about Lupus.  I hear all the time, "I've heard of Lupus, but I really don't know what it is..."  Please take the time to discover the general facts:  that Lupus is an autoimmune disease (this means, in essence, that the body is attacking itself); that it's not contagious, but that it does tend to run in families; and that it can be mild or lifethreatening -- it depends on the patient. 

There is no cure for Lupus, and it can be extremely difficult to diagnose.  Lupus is also chronic rather than curable.  The treatments we have are currently geared toward controlling symptoms.  It can go into remission (a time when the disease is not active), allowing the patient to go about his/her life normally, or it can remain active continuously. 

Lupus patients, like cancer patients, need different treatments, depending on the severity of their symptoms and which organs or joints the illness has affected.  They may no longer be able to drive, so they need rides to and from medical appointments; they may have difficulty with large or small muscle movements, so cleaning or cooking might be challenging; they might be in constant pain, which is very wearing; and they may not be able to go out and do things as they once did, so they need understanding and friends who are willing to bring the fun and support to them.

These are the things we need people to know.

Please consider supporting the Lupus Alliance of Michigan and Indiana in any way you can:  by donating, by spreading information about the disorder, or simply by being a friend to someone with Lupus.  If you decide that a financial donation is possible, donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

As always, I send many thanks for your aid -- in whatever form it takes -- and please don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate, educate, or support too!

Before I go, I should update you on my personal situation.  My disease falls into the  moderate/severe range, and has a significant impact on my everyday life, from my ability to cook, clean, do dishes, work in my garden (which I love) and other activities that most people take for granted.  I'm lucky to have a great husband, Bill, who sees that I make it to my myriad doctors' appointments, take my meds on time, and helps out around the house an awful lot.  More than that, though, is the supportive and loving husband he continues to be, no matter what comes our way; I know I can always count on facing obstacles and triumphs together.  Just as I'm grateful for him, so I am for the love and support of my parents.  And I can't leave out the love of our three cats:  Aztec, Amy, and Lizzie.  Each seems to know when I'm not feeling well, or bedridden, and will come to check on me or lie down next to me to keep me company.  Our little furry family members really do enrich our lives.

I've gone on long enough.  If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.  I may take a few days to get back to you, but I'm always happy to help people understand this disease better when I have the chance.

gretchen