Today is World Lupus Day!

May 10th is World Lupus Day and we are raising our voice and spreading the word about lupus. Join us and check out the links below to join the conversation.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) urges you to Band Together for Lupus™ this May during Lupus Awareness Month to educate others and raise awareness of lupus. We are asking that everyone pledge to do at least one thing to raise awareness this month.  A few simple and easy ways you can raise awareness of lupus include: wearing a LFA purple Band Together for Lupus™ wristband or t-shirt; Reposting LFA’s lupus facts on Facebook or Twitter to share with friends; families, or co-workers; participating in a local Walk for Lupus Now® event; and distributing lupus awareness fliers in your community. The LFA has developed an Awareness Toolkit with a number of resources to help get you started including fliers, banner ads, public service announcements, wristbands, and t-shirts. To learn more, and see what activities are occurring across the United States, please visit www.lupus.org/awareness.

In addition, visit us on Twitter and Facebook to share with us your efforts for World Lupus Day and Lupus Awareness Month. When tweeting, use #worldlupusday and #lupusawarenessmonth. 

Julian Lennon Leads World Lupus Day Observance on May 10

(Washington, DC) – Musician and philanthropist Julian Lennon, newly appointed Global Ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), is encouraging people around the world to join with him to observe World Lupus Day on May 10. 

As part of the observance, Mr. Lennon is urging everyone to sign a pledge to increase awareness of lupus, a devastating and life-altering autoimmune disease that affects at least five million individuals worldwide.  Supporters can make their pledge and download resources to help raise understanding of lupus through the World Lupus Day Web site, worldlupusday.org.

Mr. Lennon became involved with the LFA after a childhood friend who developed lupus succumbed to the disease in 2009.  Since that time, he has helped raise funds for research and spoken out to increase awareness of lupus.
“We can all do our part and make people more aware of lupus, which affects a staggering number of people,” said Lennon.  “The fact that lupus impacts so many people in so many ways is devastating.  I urge everyone to learn more about this chronic disease and band together to spread the word to others during World Lupus Day and beyond.” 

This is the eighth annual observance of World Lupus Day.  Since 2004, lupus organizations around the globe have conducted activities on May 10 to raise awareness and educate the public about the symptoms and health effects of lupus, which occurs when the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to any organ system in the body.  The health effects of lupus include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages, and organ failure.

“There is a need for heightened public awareness, improved health care services, and expanded research to improve the lives of all people affected by lupus,” said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “We are proud to partner with Julian Lennon and lupus groups around the world to bring greater attention to this significant international health issue.”

In addition to the LFA, other international lupus organizations observing World Lupus Day on May 10 include: Agrupación Lupus Chile, Arthritis Victoria (Australia), Lupus Association of Argentina, Associação Doentes com Lupus (Portugal), British Columbia Lupus Society (Canada), Belgian CIB-League, Catalan Lupus Foundation (Spain), Care for Lupus-SDF (Indonesia), Federación Española de Lupus (Spain), Inspired Advocacy (LUISA) Project thru Rheumatology Educational Trust Foundation Inc. (Philippines), Lupus Alert (Mauritius), Lupus Association of New South Wales, Inc. (Australia), Lupus Australia Queensland Inc., Lupus Canada, Lupus Denmark, Lupus Europe, Lupus Foundation of Ontario (Canada), Lupus France, Lupus-Italy, Lupus Saskatchewan Society, (Canada), Lupus Trust of New Zealand, Lupus UK (United Kingdom), Magyar Lupus Egyesulet (Hungary), Malaysian SLE Association, Nationale Vereniging LE Patienten (The Netherlands), The Swedish Rheumatism Association, Saint Thomas' Lupus Trust (United Kingdom), and Schweizerische Lupus Erythematodses Vereinigung (Switzerland).

Photo courtesy: Paul Harmer

Musician and Philanthropist Julian Lennon to Elevate the Global Profile of Lupus

The Lupus Foundation of America National Board of Directors Names Julian Lennon as Global Ambassador

(Washington, DC) April 20, 2011 −Musician and philanthropist Julian Lennon has been named Global Ambassador by the Lupus Foundation of America’s (LFA) National Board of Directors. The role of the Global Ambassador is to elevate lupus on the world’s health agenda, and increase awareness of the needs of the more than 5 million people living with lupus and their families around the world.

As Global Ambassador, Lennon will support public awareness initiatives to observe World Lupus Day on May 10 and Lupus Awareness Month throughout May. Lennon will also help to raise funds for lupus research, including the Lucy Vodden Research Grant Award, which was established last year by the LFA and Julian Lennon. The grant is named in memory of Lucy Vodden, Lennon’s childhood friend, who lost her battle with lupus in 2009 at the age of 46. Lucy was the subject of a drawing Lennon created which inspired his father, John, to write the classic Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”

Read more >>

How Will You Observe World Lupus Day?

World Lupus Day is May 10th and the LFA is working to raise awareness of lupus and the impact the disease has on at least 5 million people around the world who are living with a form of lupus. Our Band Together for Lupus™ Petition pledges to raise awareness and has over 8,000 signatures, represented by 57 different countries.

Various lupus groups from all over the world, from Argentina to Spain, are participating in World Lupus Day. For example, Lupus UK passed out these posters to all of their members and asked them to each text ten people with an awareness message. You can join in the effort as well. Send ten World Lupus Day eCards today.

To learn more, please visit http://www.worldlupusday.org/. How will you raise awareness today?

How Will You Observe Lupus Awareness Month and World Lupus Day?

It is estimated that more than five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. This year, we are asking the lupus community to join us in helping to bring additional attention to this disease ... attention that lupus deserves and requires. Just think of the impact we could make if everyone with a connection to lupus informed 10 people about the disease!

Learn how you can raise awareness during Lupus Awareness Month, and on World Lupus Day.

Learn what other countries are doing to observe World Lupus Day, which is Sunday, May 10.

Lupus Foundation of America Recognizes April as National Minority Health Month

Good morning everyone.

Hope your respective weeks are treating you well so far.

I have been busy here at the LFA. Working on a few large projects. One of them ... which I will share with you here ... is a new mini-site for the lupus.org Website. We're going to have a new and comprehensive section on lupus and clinical trials. We're all very excited about that. This will be launching some time in May.

May is shaping up to be a busy month. In addition to the launch of the clinical trials section, we will also host our annual awards gala on May 7, which is then closely followed by World Lupus Day on May 10.

Finally, in recognition of April being National Minority Health Month, I wanted to share with you a column from Lupus Now magazine. Check it out.

Until next time, Wick

Cultural Communications Quiz: Know Yourself

Your upbringing, background, and culture shape the attitudes you have toward physicians and the health care system as a whole. Take a moment to review these questions and reflect on how your beliefs and viewpoints might affect your health decisions.

• Were you raised to trust authority or question it?


• When an authority figure (like a physician) tells you to do something, are you likely to follow instructions carefully?


• Have you (and your family) had mostly positive experiences with physicians? Or do you second-guess their decisions?


• Do you feel comfortable asking your physicians tough or uncomfortable questions?


• Do you ever feel like there is a language barrier between you and your doctor? Do you have trouble expressing concerns? Or trouble understanding complex medical instructions?


• Have you ever felt like you could use the help of a translator?


• Do you believe that complementary or alternative medical treatments can be just as useful as standard Western medical care?


• Do you always tell your doctor about complementary or alternative medical treatments you use?


• Do you take yourself -- and your worries -- seriously? Do you take your symptoms seriously?


• Do you have strong views about the roles that men and women play in a family? Does your health ever suffer because you take on too many responsibilities at home or with your family?


• What role does religion play in your life? Do you think religion plays a role in your health?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. But thinking about these topics could change the way you think about your health care. For example, if you don't feel comfortable questioning authority, maybe the next time you meet with your doctor it would be helpful to bring a friend or family member who could speak up on your behalf. Or maybe you'll decide you need the help of a translator. In the end, the most important thing is to have honest and open relationships with the people who are providing your health care. Your mind, body, and spirit will all benefit.

Taken from the Spring 2007 issue of Lupus Now magazine. Written by Stephanie Stephens

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Lupus Foundation of America Events!

Happy Wednesday to you.

Is it me, or is the week going by pretty quickly? I cannot believe it's already Wednesday.

There are so many things to share with you this morning. Lots of great Webchat topics / speakers have been locked into place. Our annual Advocacy Day is less than 2 weeks away. The LFA Walk season kicks off in April. Our annual awards gala is in May. World Lupus Day and Lupus Awareness Month are also in May.

So grab a pen and a calendar, and let's get started.

2008 Lupus Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill -- March 10-11, 2008

We're now less than 2 weeks out from this event. And there are some spaces still available. Learn more about the LFA's annual advocacy day here.

Save the Date -- Walk for Lupus Now Season starts April 2008

Walk for Lupus Now season kicks off in April 2008, with walks taking place across the country. Funds raised from Walk for Lupus Now Walks will support lupus research, lupus education programs, and patient and family support services. Find a walk that's close to you.

If there is no Walk near you, you can still help the LFA by setting up your own fund-raising page and participating in your own walk. For example, you could walk your local mall, hiking path or community park.

Save the Date -- Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The LFA's 5th Annual Awards Gala will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington DC on Wednesday, May 7. To learn more, visit http://www.lupus.org/gala. The page was just updated with lots of great info. The three honorees have been named. Soledad O'Brien, CNN anchor and special correspondent, has been named Master of Ceremonies. And ... Patti LaBelle will be the evening's entertainment.

Save the Date -- Saturday, May 10, 2008

World Lupus Day will again be held on May 10, 2008. To learn more, visit http://www.worldlupusday.org/. Countries have just started to share with us the activities they'll be doing to raise public awareness about lupus this year. Check back for more info in the coming weeks and months.

Save the Date -- Upcoming Webchats at the LFA

Lots of great webchats are coming. All chats take place at 3 p.m. Eastern.

• Wednesday, March 12 -- Kidneys & Lupus with Dr. James Tumlin
• Wednesday, April 9 -- An Open Forum with Dr. Bevra Hahn
• Wednesday, May 14 -- Medication Management & Lupus with Dr. Joan Merrill
• Wednesday, May 28 -- Being Newly Diagnosed with Lupus with Dr. Don Thomas

Check out the new LFA Message Boards

Almost 3 weeks old, the LFA message boards are doing well. Take a moment, stop by and join the discussion. We hope to see you there.

Whew! As you can see, lots going on. We hope you can join us for as many of these events as you can.

Until next time, Wick

Seeking Interviewees for Lupus Now magazine

Good morning.

Here in the metro DC area, it's the Chesapeake Primary ... so get out and vote. Make your voice heard!

Couple of lupus-related items to share with you.

In the next issue of Lupus Now magazine, we’re planning articles on the following topics. If you have lupus and want to share your story on any of these subjects, please write to lupusnow@lupus.org and include your name, phone number, and city and state of residence. We look forward to hearing from you!

1. The physical and emotional effects of weight gain from medications or due to inability to be active
2. Applying for health or life insurance when you have a pre-existing condition such as lupus
3. The questions you wish you had known to ask when you were first diagnosed with lupus

2008 Lupus Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill -- March 10-11, 2008

To learn more, visit http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_actionadvocates.aspx?articleid=212&zoneid=55.

Save the Date

The LFA's 5th Annual Awards Gala will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington DC on Wednesday, May 7. To learn more, visit http://www.lupus.org/gala. Check back for more information as it becomes available.

Save the Date

World Lupus Day will again be held on May 10, 2008. To learn more, visit http://www.worldlupusday.org/. Check back for more info in the coming weeks.

That's the scoop from DC. Have a great Tuesday.

Until next time, Wick