BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- People with lupus and those closest to them have a new national organization to support efforts to combat the disease. The newly created Lupus Alliance of America is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system, instead of serving its normal protective function, forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs causing inflammation. It is a body against itself. For most people, lupus is mild, affecting only a few body organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Young women are most frequently affected, outnumbering male patients ten to one. Lupus is more prevalent in African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans. The onset of lupus occurs most often in persons 20-45 years of age, but can occur at any time.
The Lupus Alliance of America will utilize a network of local affiliates to address the concerns of people with lupus in their community. Affiliates will be supported by the national organization with educational programs for people with lupus, family, and friends. Through education and knowledge, the Alliance aims to mobilize resources to address the concerns and challenges of this potentially life-threatening disease. The Lupus Alliance of America also recognizes that a significant impediment to fighting lupus is the lack of public awareness. Educating the general public and policy makers is crucial.
In addition to supporting education and services for those who have lupus, the national organization actively supports research for finding a cure for lupus. The Lupus Alliance has already donated $100,000 to collaborative research efforts.
The Alliance is supported by individual contributions and funding in the public and private sector. All gifts will be used to support patients, promote public advocacy and fund research. Please visit the website at www.lupusalliance.org.
The Lupus Alliance of America announces the launch of a new website for people with lupus. The web address is www.lupusalliance.org. Support and understanding are very important factors to the emotional and physical well being of people with lupus. The Alliance site features many articles pertaining to understanding lupus, and how you can educate yourself about lupus. Links to printer-friendly articles cover subjects from learning to live with lupus to medications used in the treatment of lupus. The Lupus Alliance of America invites you to visit their website.
The Lupus Alliance of America logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=370