What is Lupus?
Posted by Bud Jackson
on Feb 21, 2016
Nicole Padilla, National Walk Manager, of the Lupus Foundation of America came to Paramount Rotary to shed some light on this disease. No one knows what causes this chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation which can damage major organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin and brain. Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening, but symptoms can usually be managed with proper treatment. There is no cure for Lupus.
Some facts about Lupus are; it is not contagious, it is not related to cancer, HIV or AIDS, it is believed that at least 1.5 million people in the U.S. have Lupus, more than 16,000 new cases each year in the U.S., it strikes mostly women of childbearing age, women of color are 2-3 times more likely develop Lupus, 90% of those with Lupus are women and people of all races and ethnic groups can develop Lupus.
Because lupus can effect so many different organs, a wide range of symptoms can occur. The most common symptoms are; extreme fatigue, headaches, joint pain, anemia, fever, swelling, chest pain, butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose, light sensitivity, hair loss, blood-clotting problems and ulcers in the mouth or nose.
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. We envision a life free of lupus.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.
We will greatly step up our fundraising efforts to ensure we reach our disease-specific goals:
Reduce the time to diagnosis
Ensure people with lupus have an arsenal of safe and effective treatments
Expand direct services and increase access to treatment and care
The Lupus Foundation of America implements programs of research, education and advocacy in order to help solve the cruel mystery of lupus.
The Foundation’s officers, advisors and staff set goals and agendas to meet the most urgent challenges in lupus research and treatment.
The Lupus Foundation of America is a charitable organization with tax-exempt status granted under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal ID# is 43-1131436. The Foundation is highly rated by the major charity oversight organizations.
Learn more at www.lupus.org
Nicole Padilla (l) with Dean (r).All the News that is fit to Print . . .
Visitors were Dr. Perez, Dr. David Phillips and Case Boogaard.
Go Kart Team Paramount will be going for a four-peat in the District competition this year with a new driver Rich Weeda joining the team.
Chris Olson was so happy to report the wedding of her daughter that she made a generous donation to the club.