Public Urged to Take Action to Fight ‘Cruel Mystery’ Affecting Millions Worldwide

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - May 9, 2014 - PRLog -- In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month this May, the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter is calling on the public to take action and raise their voice to increase lupus awareness and help solve the cruel mystery that is lupus. Lupus is a mysterious and devastating disease that ravages different parts of the body and has no known cause and no known cure.

Awareness and understanding of lupus is essential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and find a cure. However, currently, lupus awareness is painstakingly low. Research conducted by the Lupus Foundation of America shows that nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 - those most at risk for lupus - have either not heard about lupus at all or know little to nothing about lupus beyond the name.

"Lupus is one of the most misunderstood diseases there is, and research to better understand the disease and discover effective treatment, along with educational programs, are greatly underfunded relative to the disease's scope and devastation," explains Amy E. Yalden, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter. "Lupus needs our attention. We ask the community to educate themselves and get involved in helping us solve this cruel mystery for the over 100,000 Floridians and 5 million people worldwide living with lupus."

Take Action, Raise Your Voice, Share Your Story

There are many ways the public can take action, learn about lupus and support those who suffer from its brutal impact. This May, the Lupus Foundation of America kicks off a new campaign called Dear Lupus. Whether you are a person living with lupus, a healthcare provider or have a family or friend with the disease, it impacts everyone. The Dear Lupus campaign provides an opportunity for individuals to get creative and produce their own video to tell their story.  For more details about the campaign and how to submit a video, visit lupusfl.org.

Other ways the public can join the fight against lupus during Lupus Awareness Month include:

•Light Up Purple: In support of Lupus Awareness Month, organizations light buildings, monuments, and fountains purple with Florida leading the nation in the most amount of buildings and fountains lit purple. The following landmarks in South Florida have joined our efforts to solve the cruel mystery:

oDelray Beach Marketplace (Delray): May 10-31

o110 Tower (Fort Lauderdale): May 10-17

oCity Place Fountain (Palm Beach): May 10-17

oDCOTA Building (Fort Lauderdale): May 12

oMiami Freedom Tower: May 16

•Put On Purple Day (Friday, May 16): This is a special day when local communities rally to bring greater attention to lupus by wearing purple and telling others why they support people affected by lupus.

•Walk to End Lupus NowTM: Due to huge demand, our signature fundraising event is coming to South Florida on September 27, 2014 at Jungle Island.  Visit htttp://www.WalkToEndLupusNowFL.com to put together a team of walkers. Every step raises money for lupus research and education services.

For more information about Lupus Awareness Month and ways to take action and join the fight, visit the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter’s website at http://www.lupus.org/florida/home.

About Lupus

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus has not kept pace with research for other diseases of similar scope and devastation.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter

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, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter at www.lupusfl.org.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Amy E. Yalden, please contact Janet Yuen at 561.279.8606 or 310.429.7615 or e-mail jyuen@lupusfl.org.