The Lupus Foundation of America to Reveal the 'Cruel Mystery' of Lupus to Cincinnati Area Residents

Most Americans Know Little to Nothing about Lupus; Tour Bus with Interactive Experience of Lupus Is Making Multiple Stops in Cincinnati to Raise Awareness

CINCINNATI, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cincinnati residents are invited to hop on-board the Lupus Foundation of America's 45-foot purple tour bus April 4-6 to learn about lupus, a mysterious and devastating disease that ravages different parts of the body and has no known cause or and no known cure.  The Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™ National Tour is helping people all across the nation to learn about lupus through interactive exhibits which allow visitors to experience what it is like to live with this unpredictable disease that disproportionately affects minorities and women. 

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People of color are two to three times more likely than Caucasians to develop lupus.  However, a  recent nationwide survey found that as many as one out of two African-Americans either has not heard of lupus or knows little to nothing about lupus.  Nearly half of Cincinnati's population is African-American (44.8 percent), so the Lupus Foundation of America is conducting efforts to reach individuals who are at high risk for developing the disease. 

Another valuable feature of the TOUR will be a patient medical education event, where area residents will learn from lupus experts about lupus symptoms, information on the latest research and treatment options, and how to access needed benefits, like disability income protection.  The event, 'Lupus: Living and Learning™', will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Kingsgate Marriott Conference Center at the University of Cincinnati (151 Goodman Street; Cincinnati, OH).

The bus will be in Cincinnati and open to the public Thursday, April 4^th – Saturday, April 6^th at the following stops:

Visitors to the bus also can take action to support those affected by lupus by signing a petition that asks Congress to fund more lupus research efforts.  Cincinnati residents can learn more about the TOUR, register for the patient medical education event, as well as sign the petition online, at cruelmystery.org.

"Lupus is a significant concern in the greater Ohio region," said Suzanne Tierney, Executive Director of the Greater Ohio Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.  "Thousands of residents live with lupus and the risk is especially high among people of color.  The TOUR will raise awareness about lupus and educate people living with lupus about the best ways to manage the disease."

"When I was first diagnosed with lupus, I had no idea just how devastating and mysterious this disease could be," explains Diane Dustman, a Cincinnati resident living with lupus.  "Lupus has impacted every aspect of my life -- how I function, my energy level, my ability to sleep.  With lupus, education is key.  Had I known about lupus before I was diagnosed, I may have been able to recognize my symptoms and seek treatment sooner, potentially preventing some of the complications from the disease that I live with everyday."

Building awareness of lupus is essential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this unpredictable and misunderstood disease.  Awareness is also critical to securing private and public funding for lupus research.  Without sufficient funding, research studies to find the causes and cures for lupus and discover new safe, tolerable and effective lupus treatments will be delayed, and the search for a cure will be seriously impaired. 

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, provides Ohio residents with current information, education programs, support groups, and personalized help with the questions that arise for those living with lupus and their family and friends.  It also organizes the Walk to End Lupus Now™ events in Ohio, with events in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati to raise funds for lupus research and education services.  This year's Cincinnati Walk will be held on Saturday, May 11.

The Lupus Foundation of America launched this campaign to show lupus for what it really is -- the cruel mystery.  The campaign and the Foundation's new rallying cry, Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™, aim to energize the public and ultimately Congress to devote serious resources to lupus research.

About the Lupus Foundation of America
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. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, the Foundation leads the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter
The Lupus Foundation of America's Greater Ohio Chapter is part of the national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Our mission is to raise public awareness, educate and support those affected by lupus, find a cure, educate health care professionals, and promote, encourage and provide funds for Lupus research.  For more information about lupus or the Greater Ohio chapter, visit www.lupusgreaterohio.org or call (440) 717-0183. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America