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.”

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Entertainment, Government, and Industry Leaders Shine Light on Lupus at the Lupus Foundation of America’s National Butterfly Gala

(May 12, 2010-WASHINGTON, DC)- More than 600 people turned out tonight for the Lupus Foundation of America’s (LFA) National Butterfly Gala, which recognized Ted Turner, Chairman, Turner Enterprises, Inc., Senator, Daniel K. Inouye (HI), Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline for their contributions to advancing the science and medicine of lupus, and supporting the millions of people around the world affected by lupus.

During the Butterfly Gala, the LFA and singer/songwriter Julian Lennon announced the establishment of The Lucy Vodden Research Grant Award. The research initiative is named after Lucy Vodden, Julian’s childhood friend who lost her battle with lupus in September of 2009 at the age of 46. Lucy was the subject of a drawing that Julian created which inspired his father to write the classic Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”

Dr. Gary Gilkeson, Medical University of South Carolina and Chair, LFA’s Medical-Scientific Advisory Council, and Julian Lennon presented the award to Lucy Vodden’s husband, Ross Vodden, and her sister, Fran O’Donnell.

Throughout the evening, the LFA recognized each of the honorees for their unique contributions to overcoming this serious and life-threatening illness. Larry King, host of CNN’s Larry King Live, delivered a special congratulatory video message to honoree Ted Turner, who received The Cooper Family Foundation Leadership Award for his long-standing interest in and support of lupus research, and lifetime of philanthropic works.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI), Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, received the National Leadership in Biomedical Research Award for his leadership in advancing federal research at the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and other federal institutions, for better treatments and a cure for lupus.

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) were recognized with the Corporate Leadership in Lupus Award for their commitment to and innovation in lupus research, resulting in two positive phase III clinical trials for a potential new lupus treatment. H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, HGS, and Peter Hare, Vice President, Immunology Business Unit, GSK, accepted the awards on behalf of the companies.

“On behalf of the LFA, I would like to congratulate all of our honorees,” said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “I know each of the honorees will continue to bring national attention and resources to lupus and play a significant role in helping us to usher in a new era in lupus, as we build upon the recent progress we’ve seen over the past year.”

Julian Lennon and singer/songwriter James Scott Cook also treated the crowd to a special performance of the tribute song “Lucy.” Last year, Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook released the song “Lucy” in honor of Lucy Vodden. Proceeds from the song “Lucy” will support The Lucy Vodden Research Grant Award. The grant will fund lupus research through the LFA’s National Research Program, Bringing Down the Barriers, which is part of the LFA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the science and medicine of lupus and finding a cure.

CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Soledad O’Brien served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Other notable guests and presenters included Congressman James P. Moran (D-VA, 8th); LFA Board member Dr. Annette Shelby; Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD, 8th); Elliott Sigal, M.D. Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Carol Ann Petren, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, CIGNA Corporation and LFA Board member; Kalenna of the musical group DirtyMoney; and LFA National Spokespersons Mercedes Yvette, Tomiko Fraser Hines, and Kelly Jean Drury.

About Lupus
Lupus is an acute and chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Lupus can be unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. Its health effects include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages, and organ failure.

About the LFA
The LFA is the nation’s foremost nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its network of chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.

Lennon and Cook Sing for Lupus

We all know “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” as the psychedelic 60’s anthem by The Beatles. But what you may not know is the song was inspired by a drawing made by John Lennon’s young son, Julian, of his classmate Lucy Vodden. Lucy passed away last year from complications of lupus. WebMD Magazine recently published a great article about Julian Lennon and his actions to raise awareness for lupus. We are posting the article today in honor of Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook’s performance tonight for LFA’s Butterfly Gala National Awards Dinner of their song, LUCY.

Julian Lennon Sings a New "Lucy" Song for Lupus

Spring 2010 Issue of Lupus Now Magazine ... Coming in March to a Mailbox Near You!

The BIG news on the upcoming Spring 2010 issue of Lupus Now magazine is that singer-songwriters Julian Lennon (son of Beatle John Lennon) and American musician James Scott Cook are featured on the cover! These two have given their unwavering support to our lupus awareness and research efforts, and their exclusive interview can only be found in this issue of Lupus Now!

Are you wondering whether what you eat can affect lupus? Be sure to read our article on “The ABCs of Nutrition.” While we do not have a specific lupus diet to offer you, there are definitely certain foods and vitamins you need to know about.

“Think Again” looks at the invisible changes caused when lupus affects the brain. These complications can affect your ability to retain, recall, and process information. In many instances, though, the coping strategies we offer can help you find your way.

Sometimes you have to just say ‘no’! In “Time Out” you will learn how to say, “No, I’m sorry, not today,” nicely but firmly. (We recommend you start with friends or family, who will be sympathetic, before you try this out on your boss!)

You also can read about some of the exciting lupus research taking place in the U.S., and around the world. This summary of lupus-related information presented at the 2009 meeting of the American College of Rheumatology appears in the Health Care Professionals section.

And have you noticed that lupus has been in the news a lot lately? Find out where in the Foundation News section.

Subscribe online to make sure you never miss an issue!

Guest Blogger Amanda Davenport Dishes on LUCY and Lennon

Hey everyone, it’s me again … Amanda. I wanted to share with all of you a great experience I recently had.

This past Tuesday, December 15th, I had the privilege of going to the CBS Early Show with a few of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) ladies -- my new friends Maggie and Sara -- to meet Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook. We were there to show support for their new single "LUCY" which will help raise awareness and money for lupus.

What a great time we had! It was so nice to finally meet Maggie and Sara, and they are absolutely awesome. We are so fortunate to have them working with us to give lupus the proper attention it deserves. I know I am thankful.

Despite the very cold temperature, it was nice to feel the warmth of a crowd gathered together for a common cause. The fact that we got to meet Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook made it a day I will never forget.

If you do not know the backstory of the song "LUCY," I encourage you to visit lupus.org/Lucy. Here's a little hint. Julian Lennon's "LUCY" is the same "LUCY" from a certain Beatles' song written by his father, John. The fact that James Scott Cook's grandmother also has lupus -- and is also named Lucy -- made the song that much more poignant.

Meeting Julian and finding out just how truly nice a guy he is, coupled with the fact that he is very passionate about helping those of us affected by lupus, inspired me and those I was with to try to do even more.

Thanks to all of you who keep up the fight, and to Maggie and Sara for coming to NYC for this amazing event. And a very special thank you to Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook for creating such a lovely song that carries a message of hope for all of us.

I am very proud to say that I was there that day.

If you'd like to see more pictures from that day, please become a fan of the LFA in Facebook.

I wish everyone happy holidays! Keep Fighting!

Amanda

photos courtesy of Amanda Davenport
Top right photo: Julian Lennon poses with Amanda Davenport
Bottom right photo: James Scott Cook signs Amanda's Walk for Lupus Now t-shirt

The Story behind LUCY

As you have no doubt heard, musicians James Scott Cook and Julian Lennon have partnered to release the song, LUCY. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America and the Saint Thomas' Lupus Trust in Great Britain to support lupus research.

In this video, Julian explains the associations between his childhood friend, one of his father's most famous songs, and the autoimmune disease lupus. Then he and James perform an acoustic version of the song, LUCY.

Download LUCY from iTunes and Support Finding a Cure for Lupus

Musicians James Scott Cook and Julian Lennon are doing their part in the search for a cure for Lupus. For both men – this is personal. James’ 92-year-old grandmother, Lucy Cook, has lived with lupus for many years, and Julian’s childhood friend, Lucy Vodden, recently passed away at the age of 46 after a long battle with the disease.

You may already have heard the story that one day four-year old Julian brought home a watercolor painting of his friend and classmate, Lucy Vodden. Julian told his dad that the drawing was “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” which inspired his father, the legendary John Lennon, to write one of his most famous songs of the same name.

To honor both of these women James and Julian have partnered to release the song, “LUCY.” A portion of the proceeds will be donated equally to the Lupus Foundation of America and the St. Thomas Lupus Trust in Great Britain to support lupus research.

Download LUCY Today!

From now until March 15, 2010, 100 percent of the proceeds from each download of the “LUCY” from iTunes will be donated to lupus research. Don't have iTunes on your computer? Download the software here.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Help us spread the word and invite others to support raising awareness of and funds for lupus research. By taking just a few minutes you can honor someone in your life who lives with lupus, just like James and Julian are doing.

Send an e-card (up to 10 per day) to your friends and family, and ask them to join you and “band together” to support lupus research by downloading “LUCY” from iTunes.

Learn More

Learn more about the story behind LUCY on the LFA website.

Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook Raise Awareness and Funds for Lupus Research

Proceeds from the song, “LUCY,” will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America and the St. Thomas Lupus Trust

Julian Lennon, son of the legendary John Lennon, and James Scott Cook announced today that they will donate a portion of the proceeds from their song, “LUCY,” to fund research on the disease lupus. The song was created to honor Cook’s 92-year-old grandmother, Lucy Cook, who has been living with lupus for years and Lucy Vodden, a childhood friend of Lennon’s who recently passed away at the age of 46 after a long battle with lupus. Vodden was also the subject of a drawing that Julian created which inspired his father to write the memorable Beatles hit song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Proceeds donated from the song, “LUCY,” will be shared equally by the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA), and the St. Thomas Lupus Trust in London.

Sandra C. Raymond, LFA President and CEO, issued the following statement:

"We thank Julian Lennon and James Scott Cook for their generous support, which will not only help fund lupus research, but will also go a long way to help raise awareness and draw international attention to this perilous disease. All proceeds from the song will be restricted for use in LFA’s National Lupus Research Program, Bringing Down the Barriers, which directs grants to lupus researchers in academic medical centers throughout the United States for research on the causes and epidemiology of lupus, pediatric lupus, lupus kidney disease, cardiovascular disease in lupus, adult stem cell transplantation, novel approaches to the development of new treatments, among other areas.

"We applaud Julian and James for calling attention to the urgent need for lupus research. It has been more than 50 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment for lupus. In fact, to date there has never been a drug approved specifically for lupus, since the disease was discovered more than a century ago. Physicians who treat people with lupus often must rely on medications that have toxic side effects; some side effects are worse than the disease itself. For people with lupus, finding less toxic therapies is vital to not just their quality of life, but for many, their survival.

"Lucy Vodden and Lucy Cook represent people with lupus around the world who are either living with lupus, or have succumbed to the disease, demonstrating the varied and sometimes devastating impact that lupus can have on individuals and their families. This life altering disease typically strikes young women in their childbearing years, yet a public opinion survey demonstrated that 80 percent of women know little or nothing about the disease.

"Our hope is that the efforts of Julian and James will inspire others, and serve as a catalyst for the public to join us in working to change the future for the millions of people around the world like Lucy. We encourage people to pay tribute to both of these women and all those living with lupus by downloading the song ‘LUCY’ through iTunes beginning December 15, 2009."

Related Information

Julian Lennon, decade later, back in music biz with 'Lucy'