Lupus support meetings planned
The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) will host its monthly support group for those living with lupus, their family and caregivers on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church, 2380 Cloverdale Ave. A session will be held in Greensboro on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 West Vandalia Rd.
The group meets on the fourth Sunday of each month. There is no charge to attend the meeting, and drop-ins are welcome. The meetings provide participants with an opportunity to receive introductory information about lupus, encourage the expression of concerns, provide an opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Meeting programs vary from guest speakers to DVD presentations and open group discussion.
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 can be hidden from view and undefinable. It has a range of symptoms, hits out of nowhere, 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 remains underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.
An estimated 45,000 North Carolina residents and 1.5 million Americans are estimated to have a form of lupus.
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. The 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.
Contact the LFANC at info@lupusnc.org or at 877-849-8271, ext. 2. For more information, visit www.lupusnc.org.
