ATLANTA, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter will host its annual Night of Hope Gala on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Mason Murer. This charity event generates funding for the only statewide lupus programs, advocacy and lupus research. The evening will include auctions, dinner, cocktails, entertainment and an introduction to the 2012 Faces of Hope.

This year's Gala promises to be a true celebration. With the recent FDA approval of Benlysta, the first lupus drug in 52 years, the 55,000 Georgians and 1.5 million Americans living with lupus have hope for a better quality of life and hope for approval of more treatments in the pipeline.

Advocates like this year's honoree Jim McLaughlin, Olympus Media CEO, believes there's light ahead. Since 2009, McLaughlin donates 80 billboards throughout Georgia to elevate lupus awareness. "Every action great or small changes a life," says McLaughlin. He has seen the impact LFA has made and says, "We can all play a part in the fight against lupus. The Foundation needs you and so does someone you know with lupus!"

Distinguished Georgians in media, entertainment and philanthropy lending support:

• Cynthia Good – Founder and CEO, Pink Magazine and LittlePinkBook.com will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

• Jim McLaughlin– President and CEO, Olympus Media, LLC will receive 2011 Mary Cann Achievement Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

• Yamma Brown, PhD. – Founder, Daughter of Soul Productions (James Brown's daughter) will share her story of her battle with lupus.

• Lovette Russell – Community Activist and Philanthropist

"This is an exciting time for lupus fighters! There have been significant strides in medical science and public awareness but we can't stop here," said Maria Myler, Georgia Chapter President and CEO. "More research provides more patients with a better quality of life."

About The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter is the only statewide resource for those living with lupus and provides thousands of Georgians with expanding educational programs, advocacy and awareness. The Chapter supports national research efforts of the Lupus Foundation of America, working to advance the science and medicine of lupus to bring down the barriers that have impeded progress in lupus research. For more information, visit www.lupusga.org.

About Lupus

Lupus is an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease, which can affect any organ including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, or skin. Lupus affects primarily young women in their crucial childbearing years but also men, children and women of all ages. Lupus is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. For more information, visit www.lupus.org.

Leneithra Lowery
GBL Communications
Ph: 770.634.2740
leneithral@gblcommunications.com

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter