LRI Brings Lupus Into Focus During Lupus Awareness Month

NEW YORK, May 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Institute (LRI), the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the LRI National Patient Coalition members recognize Lupus Awareness Month with a wide range of events spotlighting the need for early diagnosis of lupus and the innovative research that can help stop its complications.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that is easily overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. Many people with lupus describe it as feeling like a flu that just won't go away with symptoms such as severe fatigue and joint pain, skin rashes and unexplained fevers.

Month-Long Campaign for Lupus Awareness and Hope
Activities start May 1 with the unveiling of a larger-than-life window display in midtown Manhattan's highly-trafficked Rockefeller Plaza. The powerful design emphasizes the devastating effects of lupus on women in their 20s as well as the LRI's research vision - to help stop disease progression and organ damage by 2020.  

 "We need all hands on deck to deliver safer and more effective treatments to prevent disease progression," stresses LRI CEO and President Margaret Dowd.  "Active collaborations among all are key – government, the bio-pharma industry, academic medicine, non-profit organizations, and most importantly lupus patients and their families."

The LRI is sponsoring several initiatives this month to build awareness of opportunities to take part in the clinical research necessary for the development of new lupus treatments. People with lupus and their families are invited to check out:

• The new LupusTrials.org website – the only site solely dedicated to lupus clinical research. People interested in participating in any type of lupus study can find their match with the easy-to use search tool.
• LRI's exhibit about lupus trials at the free AWARE for All program May 5, 4:00 – 8:00 PM at George Washington University in DC organized by the Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP).  
• The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) New Jersey Walk at Metlife Stadium Saturday, May 9 where LRI joins the effort to raise funds for lupus research. For more information contact email [email protected]

Additionally, LupusNY.org offers a full calendar of live and online educational programs in May to help people better manage lupus. 

It's Official!
Mayor Bill de Blasio declared May "Lupus Awareness Month" in the City of New York.  Moving beyond the city, lupus agencies across New York will gather in Albany May 13 as Lupus Awareness Month is proclaimed in New York State.  Thanks to the efforts of LRI Coalition members, many states and major urban centers across the country are also designating May for Lupus Awareness.

About Lupus
A leading cause of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke among young women, lupus is a destructive and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease. Nine out of 10 people with lupus are women – most of whom are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.  In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect instead creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs – often the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, or joints.

About the Lupus Research Institute 
The Lupus Research Institute (LRI), the leading private supporter of novel research in lupus, pioneers discovery and champions scientific creativity as it demonstrates the power of innovation to propel scientific solutions in this complex autoimmune disease. Founded by families and shaped by leading scientists, the Institute has generated more than $200 million in novel lupus research, delivering many of the decade's most pivotal breakthroughs, transforming treatment and advancing toward prevention and a cure. 

With its National Patient Coalition of regional lupus organizations, the Lupus Research Institute improves patient care by promoting research awareness, education and advocacy as it drives to A Life Without Lupus. For more information, visit www.lupusresearchinstitute.org.

SOURCE Lupus Research Institute

Related Links

http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org