Thursday, May 2, 2013

May is Lupus Awareness Month -- a time for everyone to come together to raise awareness of lupus, an unpredictable and sometimes fatal disease, and show support for the estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide affected by the disease. As part of Lupus Awareness Month activities, World Lupus Day is observed on May 10 -- a day when the global lupus community rallies to bring greater attention to this terrible disease.
Lupus is more widespread than most people realize. In fact, research shows most Americans know little or nothing about lupus and its devastating impact. We can change that, but we need your support!
Band Together. Tell the Story. Change Lives. The Lupus Foundation of America offers many ways the public can join the Lupus Foundation of America and Band Together for Lupus Awareness during May. Lupus Awareness Month activities include social media, online, and grassroots components to empower individuals, organizations, and companies with a wide-ranging number of tools and resources to educate their communities about lupus. Visit http://www.kilelefoundationkenya.com awareness to learn more.
The History of Lupus Awareness Month
  • As part of its founding principles, the Lupus Foundation of America spearheaded the national effort to bring greater attention and resources to lupus.
  • The first lupus awareness observance occurred in 1977 when President Carter signed Public Law 95-72 which declared September 18-24, 1977 as National Lupus Awareness Week. The week long observance was moved to October in 1982.
  • The first month-long observance occurred in 1986 when President Reagan signed Public Law 99-365 designating October 1986 as Lupus Awareness Month. Subsequent congressional designations occurred in 1987 and 1988.
  • There was not any official congressional action designating October as Lupus Awareness Month after 1988. The October observance became a tradition throughout the lupus community for many years.
  • In 2004, the first World Lupus Day observance was conducted in New York City in conjunction with the Seventh International Congress on SLE and Related Conditions. More than 100 lupus organizations worldwide observe World Lupus Day on May 10, generating increased visibility for lupus around the globe.
  • In 2009, the Lupus Foundation of America moved the annual Lupus Awareness Month observance to May. May provides many opportunities, including Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week, and Women’s Health Check-up Day to promote awareness of lupus, and show support for those who suffer from the disease. The warm weather is a good time for outdoor events and represents an opportunity to take charge of your health. The World Lupus Day observance also serves as the marquee event for a month-long series of activities designed to educate the public about lupus symptoms and its devastating impact.
Band Together. Tell the Story. Change Lives. Today, Lupus Awareness Month serves as a centerpiece of the lupus community’s annual grassroots effort to raise awareness of this unpredictable and sometimes fatal disease, secure funds for lupus research, and support those who suffer from the disease. We need everyone’s support to fight lupus and find a cure!