An estimated five million people in the world are living with lupus.  Among them, an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. and estimated 65,000 are Illinois residents.  Lupus is more common among minorities – a disparity that remains unexplained – and is two to three times more prevalent among women of color.  The average lupus diagnosis takes four years and three doctors due to its unpredictability and mimicking of other illnesses.  It is because of this lack of education and awareness of lupus that I ask you to join me and the American Lupus Foundation as we “Band Together for Lupus” during the month of May. 

Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every organ system in the body.  Unlike HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body actually attacks its own cells.  Lupus is one of several diseases known as "the great imitators" because it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses.  An unpredictable and potentially fatal disease for which there presently is no satisfactory treatment or cure for lupus.  In fact, a new drug to treat lupus has not been developed for over 50 years.  

Last year, I passed legislation creating the Lupus Awareness and Education Act establishing a program within the Department of Public Health to focus specifically on lupus education and awareness throughout the state that will provide Illinois residents potentially lifesaving information about lupus, an often devastating, yet little known disease.  Through this education program it is my hope that more people who are living unknowingly with lupus will be able to avoid many years of pain because they can more accurately pin-point their diagnosis. 

This month, I encourage you to take part in one of the events in Chicago and the surrounding area and visit www.lupus.org to learn more about this disease and what you can do to raise awareness.

May 20- Annual “Links Fore Lupus” Golf Outing

Sponsor, LFA, Illinois Chapter

9:00 AM

Silver Lake Country Club, Orlando Park, Illinois Register at www.linksforelupusillinois.com

For additional information: 312-542-0002, www.lupusil.org, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

May 21- Walk for Lupus Now ®

Join us for the 3rd Annual Southern Suburbs Walk for Lupus Now® at Bicentennial Park in Olympia Fields, IL. Stay after the walk for a fun afternoon of picnics, sports activities and more!

Sponsor, LFA, Illinois Chapter

Check-In at 9:00 AM, Walk starts at 10:00 AM

For more information or to register, visit www.lupuswalk2011.kintera.org or call 312-542-0002.

May 22- 4th Annual Northern Suburbs Walk for Lupus Now®

Sponsor, LFA, Illinois Chapter Check-in begins at 9:00am, Walk starts at 10:00am

Half Day Forest Preserve – Vernon Hills, Illinois

For more information or to register, visit www.lupuswalk2011.kintera.org or call 312-542-0002.