The Lupus Foundation of America Unveils the 'Cruel Mystery' of Lupus to Dallas-Fort Worth

Lupus Foundation of America's New Survey Shows Most Americans Know Little to Nothing About Disease; Tour Brings a 45-foot Bus with Interactive Experience of Lupus To DFW

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America's Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™ National Tour rolls into Dallas today to raise awareness about a disease that affects thousands of Texas residents. Lupus is one of the world's most mysterious and devastating diseases that ravages different parts of the body, to which there is no known cure. Its impact is felt across North Texas, as approximately 10,000 Texans sought help and information from the Lupus Foundation of America's North Texas Chapter last year.  

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Hispanics and African-Americans are at a particularly high risk for lupus, but awareness among these groups is critically low. A new survey from the Lupus Foundation of America found that three out of four Hispanics and one out of two African Americans have either never heard of lupus or know little or nothing about the disease. More than 67.4 percent of Dallas residents and 53 percent of Fort Worth residents are African American, Hispanic or of Latino origin. 

The tour includes a 45-foot purple bus with eight interactive exhibits that is open to the public and will travel to different locations in the area through Sunday, February 10th. The tour will also showcase lupus experts who will attend patient and continuing medical education events that hundreds of area residents are scheduled to attend.

The interactive exhibits on the bus allow visitors to experience what it is like to face lupus, substantiating the urgent need to end the disease's devastating impact. Visitors can take action to support those affected by lupus by signing a petition asking Congress to fund lupus research and education services.

The bus will be in Dallas and open to the public Thursday, February 7 – Sunday, February 10. 

"Lupus is a significant concern in the Dallas-Fort Worth area," said Tessie Holloway, president and CEO of the North Texas Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. "Each year, 10,000 residents walk through our doors asking for help in dealing with their lupus. The Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™ National Tour is a great opportunity for our local community to learn more about this devastating disease that strikes without warning and can rob people of the best years of their lives."

The North Texas Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America provides services to lupus patients in Dallas and reaches residents in 122 Texas counties. The chapter also organizes the Walk to End Lupus Now™ in Dallas each year to raise funds for lupus research and education services. This year's walk will be held on March 30, 2013.

"Living with lupus has changed many aspects of my life," said Tonya Dixon-Muraguri, a Dallas resident whose lupus diagnosis in 2010 came along with the devastating news that the disease had affected her ovaries. "I was told I could never have children of my own. This disease has affected my work life; my cognitive skills are not as good as they once were, and I am forced to deal with problems ranging from short-term memory loss to loss of concentration. Had I known more about lupus before I was diagnosed, I might have been able to recognize my symptoms sooner and seek medical help."

To provide in-depth knowledge to the community, a patient event, 'Lupus: Living and Learning™' will be held on Saturday, February 9, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center, 2493 N. Stemmons Fwy. Register at: www.cruelmystery.org.

A continuing medical education event for physicians and medical professionals will also be held on Saturday, February 9, from 8-noon at the Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center, 2493 N. Stemmons Fwy. Registration for this event is also found at www.cruelmystery.org.

Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, 90 percent of them women. The Lupus Foundation of America launched this campaign to show lupus for what it really is—the cruel mystery. The campaign, along with the Foundation's new rallying cry, Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™, aims to energize the public and ultimately Congress to devote serious resources to lupus research.

Dallas residents can go online to sign a petition asking Congress to provide more money for lupus research and education services, at www.cruelmystery.org.

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, North Texas Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, North Texas Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. The Lupus Foundation of America, North Texas Chapter works with local health professionals and volunteers to provide information and programs to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease.  To learn more about local programs in Dallas/Fort Worth visit www.lupus-northtexas.org.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America