Lupus is a chronic, auto immune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an auto immune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." These
antibodies, called "auto-antibodies" react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.

More people have lupus than AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis combined. LFA market research data show that between 1,400,000 and 2,000,000 people reported to have been diagnosed with lupus.
(Study conducted by Bruskin/Goldring Research, 1994.) For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Thousands of Americans die each year from lupus-related complications.

Lupus affects 1 out of every 500 Americans and lupus strikes women 10-15 times more frequently than men.

 The symbol for lupus is a purple ribbon with a knot tied in it. The purple represents courage and endurance, while the knot symbolizes the complexity and uncertainty. Click the symbol above for more information on Lupus.

Lupus Foundation of America

Miningco: links and stories from those who have lupus