Photo courtesy of Courtney Humphries in the Lupus Foundation of America's Kansas Chapter.
Also wanted to share this interactive pumpkin carving website with you as well.
Best "witches" for a "spooktacular" Halloween everyone!
October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween 2008!
We ran this picture last year, and wanted to share with everyone again.
Photo courtesy of Courtney Humphries in the Lupus Foundation of America's Kansas Chapter.
Also wanted to share this interactive pumpkin carving website with you as well.
Best "witches" for a "spooktacular" Halloween everyone!
Photo courtesy of Courtney Humphries in the Lupus Foundation of America's Kansas Chapter.
Also wanted to share this interactive pumpkin carving website with you as well.
Best "witches" for a "spooktacular" Halloween everyone!
October 29, 2008
Designate the LFA (#10566) Through the Combined Federal Campaign
Federal and postal employees, as well as military personnel and retirees, can contribute to the Lupus Foundation of America through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The LFA is listed in the Community Health Charities federation for National Voluntary Health Agencies.When you complete your CFC pledge card, designate the Lupus Foundation of America Agency #10566 to receive your gift. Your contribution will be used to support LFA research, education, and support programs. You can learn how your donations are used here.
On behalf of the 1.5 million Americans with lupus, we extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your generous and loyal support.
October 27, 2008
Lupus Foundation of America Attends the Annual American College of Rheumatology Meeting
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting is being held in San Francisco, CA, October 24-29, 2008. As in years past, staff from the Lupus Foundation of America are attending this meeting, to hear the latest in lupus-related research.
One of the first things to come from the meeting, that I can share with you, is in regards to epratuzumab. Study results show epratuzumab provided clinically meaningful reduced disease activity in patients with lupus. To learn more, read the press release.
As other research findings and other news from ACR become available, I will share that with you. And within the next several days, check back to read a recap of the meeting’s highlights.
One of the first things to come from the meeting, that I can share with you, is in regards to epratuzumab. Study results show epratuzumab provided clinically meaningful reduced disease activity in patients with lupus. To learn more, read the press release.
As other research findings and other news from ACR become available, I will share that with you. And within the next several days, check back to read a recap of the meeting’s highlights.
October 24, 2008
Congress Reaffirms Support and Continues Funding For Lupus Research, Education and Patient Registry
Congress has again provided funding for critically important lupus research and education programs advocated by the Lupus Foundation of America. President Bush recently signed the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 2638). This legislation continues funding for important lupus programs, including basic, clinical and epidemiological research, and public education and awareness initiatives.
These programs include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In 2003, the LFA successfully advocated to have Congress provide funding for the CDC to expand the National Lupus Patient Registry (NLPR). LFA efforts have led Congress to triple funding of the NLPR since its inception. The NLPR will be funded at their current level of $3.122 million through March 6, 2009.
The NLPR is integral to completing the first national epidemiological study to determine the true national incidence and prevalence of lupus among all populations, and for determining the burden of the disease on individuals, families and society. This information also is important to LFAs efforts to stimulate additional investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop safe and effective therapies for lupus. It has been nearly 50 years since a new drug has been approved specifically for lupus and the LFA is supporting several initiatives to address this serious problem.
Department of Health and Human Services Department Office on Women’s Health
The appropriations legislation also continues funding for the Office of Women’s Health for initiatives to improve public awareness of lupus and conduct education projects on lupus. These efforts help to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus, one of the LFA’s highest priorities.
In 2007 the LFA collaborated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and The Advertising Council to develop the first ever national public advertising campaign on lupus. The campaign is a three-year, $2.3 million effort to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus with an emphasis on populations most at risk for developing the disease.
The U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The recently enacted legislation provides continued funding for the PRMRP through the end of the 2009 fiscal year. Lupus again is one of the diseases eligible to receive this research funding. To date, $5.8 million has been awarded for lupus research, including three studies on lupus biomarkers totaling $3.1 million.
The LFA first proposed a PRMRP research program on lupus biomarkers to members of the House Appropriations Committee in 2004. Validated biomarkers for lupus are necessary to develop screening tools to detect undiagnosed cases of lupus and improve monitoring of response to treatment. Recognizing the relevance of lupus to thousands of military personnel and their dependents, Congress responded by authorizing PRMRP funding for lupus studies starting in Fiscal Year 2005. The LFA has continued to advocate for the program each year through its public policy initiatives.
LFA Advocacy Efforts Improve Quality of Life for People affected by Lupus
Funding for lupus research and education programs supported through federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. “Each year, LFA brings more than 350 lupus advocates to Washington, including people with lupus, their families, physicians, and lupus researchers, to advocate for more funding for lupus research and education programs,” said Sandra Raymond, LFA President and CEO.
“LFA-led advocacy initiatives have opened new sources of much-needed funds to support research on lupus, provide for improved government services for those living with lupus, and increase public awareness to improve early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. The LFA will continue to work with congressional and administrative leaders to further expand federal support for lupus initiatives so people with lupus can have hope that more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure can be found.”
These programs include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In 2003, the LFA successfully advocated to have Congress provide funding for the CDC to expand the National Lupus Patient Registry (NLPR). LFA efforts have led Congress to triple funding of the NLPR since its inception. The NLPR will be funded at their current level of $3.122 million through March 6, 2009.
The NLPR is integral to completing the first national epidemiological study to determine the true national incidence and prevalence of lupus among all populations, and for determining the burden of the disease on individuals, families and society. This information also is important to LFAs efforts to stimulate additional investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop safe and effective therapies for lupus. It has been nearly 50 years since a new drug has been approved specifically for lupus and the LFA is supporting several initiatives to address this serious problem.
Department of Health and Human Services Department Office on Women’s Health
The appropriations legislation also continues funding for the Office of Women’s Health for initiatives to improve public awareness of lupus and conduct education projects on lupus. These efforts help to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus, one of the LFA’s highest priorities.
In 2007 the LFA collaborated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and The Advertising Council to develop the first ever national public advertising campaign on lupus. The campaign is a three-year, $2.3 million effort to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus with an emphasis on populations most at risk for developing the disease.
The U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The recently enacted legislation provides continued funding for the PRMRP through the end of the 2009 fiscal year. Lupus again is one of the diseases eligible to receive this research funding. To date, $5.8 million has been awarded for lupus research, including three studies on lupus biomarkers totaling $3.1 million.
The LFA first proposed a PRMRP research program on lupus biomarkers to members of the House Appropriations Committee in 2004. Validated biomarkers for lupus are necessary to develop screening tools to detect undiagnosed cases of lupus and improve monitoring of response to treatment. Recognizing the relevance of lupus to thousands of military personnel and their dependents, Congress responded by authorizing PRMRP funding for lupus studies starting in Fiscal Year 2005. The LFA has continued to advocate for the program each year through its public policy initiatives.
LFA Advocacy Efforts Improve Quality of Life for People affected by Lupus
Funding for lupus research and education programs supported through federal agencies has been a long-recognized priority for LFA advocacy efforts. “Each year, LFA brings more than 350 lupus advocates to Washington, including people with lupus, their families, physicians, and lupus researchers, to advocate for more funding for lupus research and education programs,” said Sandra Raymond, LFA President and CEO.
“LFA-led advocacy initiatives have opened new sources of much-needed funds to support research on lupus, provide for improved government services for those living with lupus, and increase public awareness to improve early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. The LFA will continue to work with congressional and administrative leaders to further expand federal support for lupus initiatives so people with lupus can have hope that more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure can be found.”
October 22, 2008
The Fall 2008 Walk for Lupus Now Season Ends This Weekend
The Fall 2008 Walk for Lupus Now season will end this weekend. Here are the communities with Walks taking place.- Phoenix, AZ -- Saturday, October 25, 2008
- Miami Beach, FL -- Sunday, October 26, 2008
- Philadelphia, PA -- Sunday, October 26, 2008
Happy Hump Day!
October 20, 2008
Lupus Foundation of America Awards More than $1.1 Million in New Research Grants
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has awarded more than $1.1 million in new research grants and fellowships as part of its ongoing commitment to bringing down the barriers in developing new treatments and finding a cure for lupus. Lupus is a disabling and life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans -- that’s enough people to fill 30 baseball stadiums.
This year’s LFA research grants will support innovative research initiatives in pediatric/adolescent lupus, lupus in males, and mid-to-late stage translational research. Funds for these initiatives were generously granted to the LFA through the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation in memory of Michael Jon Barlin, who in 2006, at the age of 24, passed away after a long battle with lupus. Additionally, two grant awards will support studies on the use of adult stem cells in lupus. Funds for these awards were provided by the Cooper Family Foundation.
Other areas of research supported by the LFA National Research Program include cutaneous (skin) lupus, kidney disease and lupus, and the cognitive effects of lupus. The LFA also awarded five student summer fellowships to foster an interest in the field of lupus research.
There has not been a new treatment approved for lupus in almost 50 years. Medical and scientific breakthroughs in research lead to new treatments, and without research people with lupus will continue to wait. The LFA received more than 77 grant applications, totaling an estimated $7.8 million in requests for lupus research funding. In 2008, the LFA National Research Program has awarded funding to 13 institutions and 19 researchers in its continuing effort to overcome the challenges that have hindered lupus research in the past.
At least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus, a disease which causes the immune system to go awry and attack the body's own tissue and organs, resulting in debilitating and sometimes fatal consequences that include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and kidney failure.
Since its inception, the LFA and its affiliated chapters have provided $21 million to fund more than 400 grants to research scientists at nearly 100 leading academic and medical institutions throughout the nation. LFA seed grants have led to tens of millions of dollars from other institutions, including the federal government, to allow these researchers to continue their work. In addition to direct support – made possible through donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and a nationwide network of LFA chapters and support groups, the LFA advocates to greatly expand funds for lupus research through grants from state and federal governments, and through private investment from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
This year’s LFA research grants will support innovative research initiatives in pediatric/adolescent lupus, lupus in males, and mid-to-late stage translational research. Funds for these initiatives were generously granted to the LFA through the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation in memory of Michael Jon Barlin, who in 2006, at the age of 24, passed away after a long battle with lupus. Additionally, two grant awards will support studies on the use of adult stem cells in lupus. Funds for these awards were provided by the Cooper Family Foundation.
Other areas of research supported by the LFA National Research Program include cutaneous (skin) lupus, kidney disease and lupus, and the cognitive effects of lupus. The LFA also awarded five student summer fellowships to foster an interest in the field of lupus research.
There has not been a new treatment approved for lupus in almost 50 years. Medical and scientific breakthroughs in research lead to new treatments, and without research people with lupus will continue to wait. The LFA received more than 77 grant applications, totaling an estimated $7.8 million in requests for lupus research funding. In 2008, the LFA National Research Program has awarded funding to 13 institutions and 19 researchers in its continuing effort to overcome the challenges that have hindered lupus research in the past.
At least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus, a disease which causes the immune system to go awry and attack the body's own tissue and organs, resulting in debilitating and sometimes fatal consequences that include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and kidney failure.
Since its inception, the LFA and its affiliated chapters have provided $21 million to fund more than 400 grants to research scientists at nearly 100 leading academic and medical institutions throughout the nation. LFA seed grants have led to tens of millions of dollars from other institutions, including the federal government, to allow these researchers to continue their work. In addition to direct support – made possible through donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and a nationwide network of LFA chapters and support groups, the LFA advocates to greatly expand funds for lupus research through grants from state and federal governments, and through private investment from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
- Read about the Novel Pilot Projects in Lupus Research (Dermatology, Nephrology, General)
- Read about Neuropsychiatric Lupus (NPSLE) Research
- Read about the Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program
- Read about Male Lupus Research
- Read about Adult Stem Cell Research
- Read about the 2008 Recipients of the Gina Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program
October 16, 2008
Dr. Betty Diamond Selected to Receive Prestigious Evelyn V. Hess Award
Hess Award Recognizes a Lifetime of Achievement in Lupus Research
Betty Diamond, M.D., Head of the Autoimmune Disease Center at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore LIJ -- Health Systems, and Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, is the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Evelyn V. Hess Research Award, given annually by the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA). The recipient is selected through a peer review process, and recognizes a lifetime of achievement in lupus research.
Dr. Diamond has dedicated her professional career to patients with lupus as a researcher, educator, and physician. As a researcher, Dr. Diamond’s studies in the areas of lupus in women, the role of autoantibodies in lupus, and the cognitive effects of lupus have helped define how researchers and physicians understand the disease. Her research efforts have been recognized by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Arthritis Foundation, and the National Association of M.D./Ph.D. programs. In 2006, she was elected to the Institute of Medicine, and also serves on the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the Board of Directors of the American College of Rheumatology.
Throughout her career Dr. Diamond has continued to treat and care for patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. She is also committed to helping economically underserved communities and patients without access to health care. While she served as Chief of Rheumatology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine she aggressively developed clinical care programs for the economically disadvantaged. In her current role as Head of the Autoimmune Center at The Feinstein Institute, Dr. Diamond opened rheumatology clinics in four underserved areas in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau.
As an educator Dr. Diamond has mentored a long list of students, medical residents, and trainees in immunology and rheumatology. Previously, she served on the faculty of Columbia University, and for 15 years at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine she headed the M.D./Ph.D. program funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The LFA established this award in 2005 to honor Evelyn V. Hess, M.D., M.A.C.P., M.A.C.R., for her outstanding contributions to lupus research over the course of her long and distinguished career.
Dr. Diamond will receive her award on October 25th in San Francisco during a reception in her honor hosted by the LFA National Board of Directors.
Betty Diamond, M.D., Head of the Autoimmune Disease Center at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore LIJ -- Health Systems, and Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, is the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Evelyn V. Hess Research Award, given annually by the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA). The recipient is selected through a peer review process, and recognizes a lifetime of achievement in lupus research.Dr. Diamond has dedicated her professional career to patients with lupus as a researcher, educator, and physician. As a researcher, Dr. Diamond’s studies in the areas of lupus in women, the role of autoantibodies in lupus, and the cognitive effects of lupus have helped define how researchers and physicians understand the disease. Her research efforts have been recognized by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Arthritis Foundation, and the National Association of M.D./Ph.D. programs. In 2006, she was elected to the Institute of Medicine, and also serves on the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the Board of Directors of the American College of Rheumatology.
Throughout her career Dr. Diamond has continued to treat and care for patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. She is also committed to helping economically underserved communities and patients without access to health care. While she served as Chief of Rheumatology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine she aggressively developed clinical care programs for the economically disadvantaged. In her current role as Head of the Autoimmune Center at The Feinstein Institute, Dr. Diamond opened rheumatology clinics in four underserved areas in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau.
As an educator Dr. Diamond has mentored a long list of students, medical residents, and trainees in immunology and rheumatology. Previously, she served on the faculty of Columbia University, and for 15 years at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine she headed the M.D./Ph.D. program funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The LFA established this award in 2005 to honor Evelyn V. Hess, M.D., M.A.C.P., M.A.C.R., for her outstanding contributions to lupus research over the course of her long and distinguished career.
Dr. Diamond will receive her award on October 25th in San Francisco during a reception in her honor hosted by the LFA National Board of Directors.
October 15, 2008
Only a Handful of Walk for Lupus Now Walks Remain -- Find One Near You!
Here are some communities with Walk for Lupus Now Walks taking place this weekend.- Los Angeles, CA -- Saturday, October 18, 2008
- Seattle, WA -- Saturday, October 18, 2008
- Davie, FL -- Sunday, October 19, 2008
- Union County, NJ -- Sunday, October 19, 2008
Have a great Wednesday!
October 10, 2008
Lupus Foundation of America's "Reproductive Health & Lupus" Chat Transcript Posted Online
Morning everyone ... a few lupus-related items to share with you.
"Reproductive Health & Lupus" Chat Transcript Posted Online
First, thanks to everyone who attended the "Reproductive Health & Lupus" webchat hosted by Dr. Bonnie Bermas on Wednesday. It went really well. A copy of that chat transcript has now been posted online.
And, we hope you will join us for the November 12, 2008 webchat. The topic is "Healthy Eating & Weight Management & Lupus," and it's hosted by Dr. Laura Coleman. Mark your calendars for that.
Walk for Lupus Now walks this weekend
Here are some communities with Walks taking place this weekend.
Together, we can find a cure.
Until next time, Wick
"Reproductive Health & Lupus" Chat Transcript Posted Online
First, thanks to everyone who attended the "Reproductive Health & Lupus" webchat hosted by Dr. Bonnie Bermas on Wednesday. It went really well. A copy of that chat transcript has now been posted online.
And, we hope you will join us for the November 12, 2008 webchat. The topic is "Healthy Eating & Weight Management & Lupus," and it's hosted by Dr. Laura Coleman. Mark your calendars for that.
Walk for Lupus Now walks this weekend
Here are some communities with Walks taking place this weekend.
- Greater Bay Area, CA -- Saturday, October 11, 2008
- Findlay, OH -- Saturday, October 11, 2008
- Silver Lake Village, OH -- Saturday, October 11, 2008 (4th Annual Kassie Lap ‘Round the Lake for Lupus)
- Spokane, WA -- Saturday, October 11, 2008
Together, we can find a cure.
Until next time, Wick
October 08, 2008
Why Worry?
Is your worrying habit out of control? Let's face it: there are plenty of things to worry about these days: the economy, your family and friends' well-being, your job, your bills, and your own health and day-to-day concerns. But sometimes worrying can start to interfere with the enjoyment of your everyday life. And then you start worrying about that!
How can you stop this cycle of worry?
Establish "worry time." Each day, designate a period of time -- say, 15 minutes every evening at 7 p.m. -- where you allow yourself to do nothing but worry. During this time, write down everything you’re anxious about and your best solution to your concerns.
While this activity won't necessarily solve your worrying, it will help direct intrusive thoughts to a more appropriate time. You might even find that when worry time rolls around, you've forgotten what you wanted to worry about!
"Worry time" can also be applied to other reactions or feelings you might be having. Many people have trouble coping because they often feel sorry for themselves. Carving out a "pity time" during the day will help you deal with these emotions. Modify this technique for anything else, too, such as "depression time," "guilty time," or "angry time."
If you feel that 15 minutes isn't enough time, you can always start with two sessions during the day or expand your worry time to 30 minutes. Remember, this is your tool to use. Figure out what works best for you, and learn how it feels to let go of your worries for the rest of the day.
Taken from the Fall 2008 issue of Lupus Now magazine.
Reminder: Reproductive Health & Lupus Webchat Today at 3 p.m. ET
The LFA welcomes Dr. Bonnie Bermas, who will serve as the guest expert for the Reproductive Health & Lupus chat.
We hope you can join us this afternoon. To do so, you can log in to the live chat here.
How can you stop this cycle of worry?
Establish "worry time." Each day, designate a period of time -- say, 15 minutes every evening at 7 p.m. -- where you allow yourself to do nothing but worry. During this time, write down everything you’re anxious about and your best solution to your concerns.
While this activity won't necessarily solve your worrying, it will help direct intrusive thoughts to a more appropriate time. You might even find that when worry time rolls around, you've forgotten what you wanted to worry about!
"Worry time" can also be applied to other reactions or feelings you might be having. Many people have trouble coping because they often feel sorry for themselves. Carving out a "pity time" during the day will help you deal with these emotions. Modify this technique for anything else, too, such as "depression time," "guilty time," or "angry time."
If you feel that 15 minutes isn't enough time, you can always start with two sessions during the day or expand your worry time to 30 minutes. Remember, this is your tool to use. Figure out what works best for you, and learn how it feels to let go of your worries for the rest of the day.
Taken from the Fall 2008 issue of Lupus Now magazine.
Reminder: Reproductive Health & Lupus Webchat Today at 3 p.m. ET
The LFA welcomes Dr. Bonnie Bermas, who will serve as the guest expert for the Reproductive Health & Lupus chat.
We hope you can join us this afternoon. To do so, you can log in to the live chat here.
October 06, 2008
Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus: The Kassie Biglow Story
Good morning everyone.
I shared this touching story with you last year, and thought I'd share it again.
Mary Katherine “Kassie” Biglow, a young wife and mother, passed away from complications of lupus in October 2004, one week before her 31st birthday. Kassie was a close friend and personal care attendant for David Lytle, who had suffered a spinal cord injury.
Kassie's death spurred Mr. Lytle to action. He nominated the Lupus Foundation of America to receive proceeds from an eBay auction of the NBC TODAY Show's Green Room book. The Green Room book includes signatures, notes and doodles from celebrities, political figures, newsmakers and other prominent guests who appeared on the TODAY Show. The LFA was selected as the recipient charity and all proceeds from the auction went to support the LFA’s national lupus research program.
Sadly, David Lytle died unexpectedly in June 2007.
What is Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus, you ask?
Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus serves a two-fold purpose. It provides family and friends a way to honor the life of Kassie Biglow, and it does so in a location that was near and dear to her heart. Second, it shines a much needed light on the debilitating effects of lupus.
If you live in the Ohio area and are able to, join the 4th Annual Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus, which will take place Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Boat House on Silver Lake Blvd., in Silver Lake Village, Ohio. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk / run begins at 9 a.m.
To pre-register for the event, contact Joe McMullin Sr., Kassie's father, by sending an email to jmcmullin@neo.rr.com.
Joe McMullin Jr., Kassie's brother, has created a fund-raising page. If you'd like to make a donation to Kassie's walk, you can do so here.
To date, more than $300,000 has been raised for lupus in Kassie's memory. These funds support research grants that have been awarded to investigators at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the Yale University School of Medicine, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Until next time,
Wick
I shared this touching story with you last year, and thought I'd share it again.
Mary Katherine “Kassie” Biglow, a young wife and mother, passed away from complications of lupus in October 2004, one week before her 31st birthday. Kassie was a close friend and personal care attendant for David Lytle, who had suffered a spinal cord injury.Kassie's death spurred Mr. Lytle to action. He nominated the Lupus Foundation of America to receive proceeds from an eBay auction of the NBC TODAY Show's Green Room book. The Green Room book includes signatures, notes and doodles from celebrities, political figures, newsmakers and other prominent guests who appeared on the TODAY Show. The LFA was selected as the recipient charity and all proceeds from the auction went to support the LFA’s national lupus research program.
Sadly, David Lytle died unexpectedly in June 2007.
What is Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus, you ask?
Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus serves a two-fold purpose. It provides family and friends a way to honor the life of Kassie Biglow, and it does so in a location that was near and dear to her heart. Second, it shines a much needed light on the debilitating effects of lupus.
If you live in the Ohio area and are able to, join the 4th Annual Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus, which will take place Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Boat House on Silver Lake Blvd., in Silver Lake Village, Ohio. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk / run begins at 9 a.m.
To pre-register for the event, contact Joe McMullin Sr., Kassie's father, by sending an email to jmcmullin@neo.rr.com.
Joe McMullin Jr., Kassie's brother, has created a fund-raising page. If you'd like to make a donation to Kassie's walk, you can do so here.
To date, more than $300,000 has been raised for lupus in Kassie's memory. These funds support research grants that have been awarded to investigators at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the Yale University School of Medicine, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Until next time,
Wick
October 03, 2008
Join the Lupus Foundation of America's Webchat Wednesday, October 8. "Reproductive Health & Lupus" will be hosted by Dr. Bonnie Bermas.
Reminder -- the Lupus Foundation of America's Webchat is Wednesday afternoon, October 8, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
The LFA welcomes Dr. Bonnie Bermas, who will serve as the guest expert for the Reproductive Health & Lupus chat.
Dr. Bonnie Bermas is an Associate Rheumatologist, Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. After attending Princeton University, Dr. Bonnie L. Bermas received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Following the completion of her internship and residency in internal medicine at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, she pursued fellowship training in rheumatology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.
Since 1993, Dr. Bermas has been an attending rheumatologist at the Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center. She has a special interest in the treatment of rheumatic diseased during pregnancy, the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. She has educational material on these subjects and is recognized as a regional expert in these areas.
In 2005, Dr. Bermas was named the clinical director of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome Center. Recently, she was awarded a clinical innovation grant from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital to improve the delivery of care and educational endeavors for patients treated in the SLE center.
You can submit a question in advance here.
We hope you can join us Wednesday afternoon. To do so, you can log in to the live chat here.
As always, copies of all chat transcripts are posted online within a day or 2 of the chat. Visit here to read the LFA's previous chat transcripts.
The LFA welcomes Dr. Bonnie Bermas, who will serve as the guest expert for the Reproductive Health & Lupus chat.Dr. Bonnie Bermas is an Associate Rheumatologist, Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. After attending Princeton University, Dr. Bonnie L. Bermas received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Following the completion of her internship and residency in internal medicine at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, she pursued fellowship training in rheumatology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.
Since 1993, Dr. Bermas has been an attending rheumatologist at the Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center. She has a special interest in the treatment of rheumatic diseased during pregnancy, the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. She has educational material on these subjects and is recognized as a regional expert in these areas.
In 2005, Dr. Bermas was named the clinical director of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome Center. Recently, she was awarded a clinical innovation grant from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital to improve the delivery of care and educational endeavors for patients treated in the SLE center.
You can submit a question in advance here.
We hope you can join us Wednesday afternoon. To do so, you can log in to the live chat here.
As always, copies of all chat transcripts are posted online within a day or 2 of the chat. Visit here to read the LFA's previous chat transcripts.
October 01, 2008
Take a Walk for Lupus Now This Weekend
As you know, funds raised from Walk for Lupus Now Walks support lupus research, education programs, and patient and family support services. You can help people with lupus in your community who need your help.Here are some communities with Walks taking place this coming weekend.
- Delray Beach, FL -- Saturday, October 4, 2008
- Battle Creek, MI -- Saturday, October 4, 2008
- Rochester, NY -- Saturday, October 4, 2008
- San Diego, CA -- Sunday, October 5, 2008
- St. Louis, MO -- Sunday, October 5, 2008
If there is no Walk in your community, you can still help the LFA by setting up your own fund-raising page and participate in your own walk. For example, you could walk your local mall, hiking path or community park.
Together, we can find a cure.
Together, we can find a cure.
Until next time, Wick
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