July 02, 2007

LFA Rides Social Networking Wave

Social networking sites have exploded in popularity all around the world. From sites created for different ethnic groups to sites created for students, people use social networks to connect with current friends, to make new friends, and to rally around a particular cause(s). The Lupus Foundation of America has jumped on the bandwagon!

The LFA has its own MySpace page, www.myspace.com/lupusfoundationofamerica. In addition to the links of resources, you can see the LFA already has a growing list of friends, including Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo from the Cosby Show), Tomiko Fraser Hines (Maybelline New York model and LFA spokesperson), and Leslie Hunt (a top 20 American Idol finalist in 2007). There are also a number of people who support the LFA, have lupus or know someone one with lupus and are listed as the friends on the MySpace page.

LFA also has an entry in Wikipedia. You can view it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_Foundation_of_America.

YouTube is now home to the LFA’s videos and public service announcements. This video debuted at the LFA’s annual gala in May 2007.

For those not on MySpace, the Lupus Foundation of America also has an official Facebook group. We use the Facebook group as another way to connect with people in schools and different regions. And not only does the LFA have a group, but we also belong to several lupus awareness groups.

Facebook has allowed the LFA to spread awareness about the seriousness of lupus thru “virtual word of mouth.” Whether posting information about upcoming chats, making people aware that the latest issue of Lupus Now is available, soliciting personal stories, or looking to sign up e-Advocates, Facebook has been a great tool for our organization.

In addition to the Facebook group, there is an official Facebook cause (Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.). The Facebook cause lists the mission of the LFA (To improve the diagnosis & treatment of lupus, support individuals & families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals & the public, & find the causes & cure.). One great feature of the Facebook cause is that it allows people to invite their friends to join the cause. To date there are 192 members of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. cause on Facebook.

By joining social networks such as these, we hope to increase the general knowledge about the disease, and have more people join us in our search for the cure.

Come join us!

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