Free Program to Take Place at United Way of Charles County
Lupus Mid-Atlantic will host an education program entitled, Let’s Talk About YOUR Lupus on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at United Way of Charles County. The evening will help lupus patients and their families understand this complicated illness while providing them with the tools necessary to face the challenges presented by living with lupus.
Lupus is a chronic and debilitating disease that causes the body's immune system to harm its own healthy cells and tissues. America's least recognized disease, lupus is more prevalent than AIDS, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis combined. It can be very difficult to diagnose and in some instances can be serious, even life-threatening. However, with early detection and proper treatment, most people with lupus can lead a normal life. Recent studies show that more than 50,000 people in the mid-Atlantic region have lupus.
Living with lupus is a continuing challenge for patients, their families and friends. It often leads to questions, many of which commonly go unanswered. However, the purpose of the program on April 21 is to provide an opportunity for the aforementioned groups to receive answers to those questions. Board certified rheumatologist, Donald Thomas, M.D., will lead the program. Dr. Thomas, who is in practice in Clinton and Greenbelt, and on staff at Walter Reed Medical Center, will use his experience and expertise to offer effective answers intended to comfort those individuals who are faced with the challenge of living with lupus. The evening is free to the public.
For additional information on this event or to learn more about living with lupus, please contact Lupus Mid-Atlantic at 800.777.0943 or send an e-mail to info@lupusmd.org. You may also visit the organization’s website at www.lupusmd.org.
Lupus Mid-Atlantic is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit health agency that provides educational and psychological support to lupus patients and their families; increases awareness and educates the general public and health professionals about lupus; and funds clinical and basic scientific research. It operates without any funding or assistance from the local or federal government and thrives solely on gifts from individuals, community groups, corporations and workplace-giving programs. Since its inception in 1977, the organization has contributed over $800,000 to lupus research. In July 2003, the agency changed its name from the Maryland Lupus Foundation to Lupus Mid-Atlantic to better reflect the broad, regional scope of its programs and services.