May is Lupus Awareness Month

Although more than 2 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with lupus,lupus the public is largely unaware of the potentially disabling and life-altering effects of the disease. Begun as a way to help raise the public’s awareness of lupus, May is designated as Lupus Awareness Month.

Simply put, lupus causes the body to attack itself, causing inflammation which can lead to issues with brain, kidney, skin, lung, blood and heart function. “Public recognition of lupus signs and symptoms is so important and can help save lives,” says Phyllis Simko, President & CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), Indiana Chapter.

Located in Portage, the Indiana Chapter of the LFA will observe Lupus Awareness Month by hosting workshops and other events to increase public understanding of the physical, emotional and economic impact of the disease and provide support, services and hope to all people affected by lupus.

As part of Lupus Awareness Month, the LFA and its chapters, and nearly 100 lupus organizations from around the globe, will observe May 10 as World Lupus Day. To recognize World Lupus Day, the Indiana Chapter invites the public to stop by their office at 2642 Eleanor Street in Portage (located in the Portage Chamber of Commerce building, side entrance) during the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to meet the staff and pick up free information on lupus.

The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for Lupus. The Indiana Chapter’s mission is to assist in this cause and provide services, help and hope to those affected by Lupus. For more information on Lupus Awareness Month and World Lupus Day, please visit www.lupusindiana.org.

Written by Jan Anderson for the LFA, Indiana Chapter.