World Lupus Day Calls Attention to the Global Impact of the "Cruel Mystery"

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America and lupus organizations around the globe are rallying together on May 10, World Lupus Day, to urge action and raise awareness of lupus, a mysterious and devastating disease that ravages different parts of the body. Lupus has no known cause and no known cure.  Watch and share this video about how lupus affects nearly five million people worldwide.

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"World Lupus Day is a time when the worldwide lupus community comes together to shine a light one of the world's most unpredictable, mysterious, and devastating diseases," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO. "Greater awareness will result in more resources and investment in lupus research efforts to find the causes of lupus and discover new safe, tolerable and effective lupus treatments."

As part of the observance, the Lupus Foundation of America is urging individuals with lupus and their loved ones to share in their own words how lupus has affected their lives. They can submit their stories through the website, Lupus Voices Across America, at lupusvoices.org.   The public also can show their support and help solve the cruel mystery by signing a petition that asks Congress to fund more lupus research efforts. The petition is available online at lupus.org/petition.

For a complete list of activities around the world, and to download resources to help raise understanding of lupus, visit the World Lupus Day website, www.worldlupusday.org.

About Lupus

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus has not kept pace with research for other diseases of similar scope and devastation. For more information, visit lupus.org.

About the Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Foundation at www.lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About World Lupus Day

This is the ninth 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.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America

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