This year, I'm dedicating my fundraising campaign to support the Lupus Foundation of America's pediatric lupus research program.

This Spring, I met a young girl named Addie who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 8.  I've worked for the LFA for over 10 years and I've never heard of a child being diagnosed this young.  Addie is not one to sit on the sidelines.  She creates awareness of lupus at her school and has her own Walk team.  Addie has also been a national advocate for the LFA in Washington, DC.  Addie is now 14
and is responding really well to a new drug that the FDA approved two years ago.
She was recently elected to the student council when she starts high school in the Fall and she credits her volunteerism with the LFA for helping to get elected.

The Lupus Foundation of America has always prioritized pediatric research because the onset of the disease is so much stronger in children that adults.

There is so much hope for the 1.5 million Americans with lupus at this time.  Recently, there was a lot of press that researchers at Northwestern Hospital have discovered the root cause of lupus which will led to more medications.

I hope you'll consider a donation to support my efforts.  Thank you and I'm grateful.

Love,
Joan and Nelson

Did you know?

Lupus is a mysterious and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known causes or cure.

Lupus symptoms can be severe and highly unpredictable and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys.

While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90% of people living with lupus are women. Women of color are at especially high risk.

Lupus is hard to diagnose, but the Lupus Foundation of America is working to make life easier and more comfortable for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.  Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!