Morrie Golick, Dedicated Founder of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Dies at 101

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Founder of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Morrie Golick (1910-2012) died Monday, April 2 in his Florida home. Morrie is survived by his daughter Susan Golick and son-in-law Alan J. Wasserman, DDS, both of whom serve among the executive leaders of the organization.

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation was born in 1970 out of Morrie's devotion to Susan and his determination to find answers when she was diagnosed with lupus. The special father-daughter bond they shared was the catalyst for what they conceived as a source of support for all people struggling with lupus.

Celebrating the Foundation's 40th anniversary and his 100th birthday in 2010, Morrie reflected, "I wanted to find a way others could benefit from our family's difficult experience with lupus."

And he did make the difference for the entire lupus community of patients, families, physicians and scientists. Morrie, Susan and her mother Dorothy Newman worked tirelessly to create patient outreach and services, awareness and advocacy while always supporting lupus research. Their commitment drew other families across the country into the loop as their fledgling foundation launched the lupus movement in America.

Believing that a cure was within reach, they helped to create the Lupus Research Institute, now the world's leading supporter of innovative research in lupus. Because of that conviction, many pivotal discoveries, including the first lupus treatment in 50 years, were made during his lifetime.

Morrie has left us a lasting legacy – the devotion to help all who struggle with lupus and the determination to pursue the cure.

The family requests that those wishing to make a donation in Morrie's name be made to the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation: (via http://www.lupusny.org  or by mail: Attn: S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, 330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001.

About Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic, complex and serious autoimmune disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs -- the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and a leading cause of premature cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke among young women.

About the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation

Formed over 40 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is the nation's preeminent nonprofit organization providing direct services and public awareness as well as raising funding for innovative lupus research through our Lupus Research Institute (LRI).

SOURCE S.L.E. Lupus Foundation