The Lupus Foundation Of America Unveils The 'Cruel Mystery' Of Lupus To Raleigh-Durham

New Survey Shows Most Americans Know Little to Nothing About Disease; Tour Bus with Interactive Experience of Lupus Is Making Multiple Stops in Raleigh-Durham

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America's Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™ National Tour is educating Raleigh-Durham residents this weekend about lupus, a mysterious and devastating disease that impacts thousands in North Carolina. The tour, which includes a 45-foot purple bus, will educate residents about the signs and symptoms of lupus, as well as what it is like to face the disease. Lupus can ravage different parts of the body and has no known cure.

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Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, but awareness about the disease is low. Seventy-two percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 have either not heard about lupus at all or know little or nothing about the disease beyond the name, according to a recent survey. The statistic is particularly disturbing because this is the age group at the greatest risk for the disease.

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 Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill through Saturday, March 2. The bus features interactive exhibits that 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. Residents can go online to sign the petition at www.cruelmystery.org.

Another feature of the tour will be patient and continuing medical education events, where area residents and physicians will learn from experts about lupus symptoms, the latest research and treatments, and how to access needed benefits like disability.

The bus will be in the Triangle area and open to the public Thursday, February 28 – Saturday, March 2.

"Lupus is a significant concern in North Carolina," said Christine John-Fuller, president and CEO of the North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. "Every year we serve thousands of North Carolina residents with 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."

Two regional chapters recently joined to form the statewide North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, which provides patient support through the chapter help line, 13 regional support groups, financial assistance, and opportunities to volunteer and participate in fundraising.The chapter also organizes the Walk to End Lupus Now™ in Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Fayetteville to raise funds for lupus research and education services. This year's walks will be held on April 21 in Raleigh; April 28 in Charlotte; May 18 in Asheville and September 14 in Fayetteville.

"Two of my aunts died of lupus, but when I was diagnosed my family and I still had no idea what to expect," said Tehesia Wilcox, a Raleigh-Durham area resident who has lived with lupus since she was 17. "Even those who have heard of lupus usually have no idea how deeply this disease can impact your day-to-day life. I have been in hospitals multiple times since I was diagnosed, and I take medications every day to keep the disease under control. Every day with lupus is mysterious and unpredictable."

To provide in-depth knowledge to the community, a patient event, 'Lupus: Living and Learning™' will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, 500 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Register at: www.cruelmystery.org.

A continuing medical education event for physicians and medical professionals will also be held on Saturday, March 2, from 8 a.m to noon at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, 500 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Registration for this event is also found at www.cruelmystery.org.

Ninety percent of Americans affected by lupus are  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.

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 Carolina Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina 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. We work 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. For more information about lupus or the LFANC, visit www.lupusnc.org or call (877) 849-8271. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America