The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) has added a support group in Wayne County, bringing the total number of counties with lupus support groups to 13.

The other lupus support groups throughout North Carolina are offered in: Buncombe County, Cumberland County, Durham County, Forsyth County, Gaston County, Guilford County, Iredell County, New Hanover County, Mecklenburg County (two locations), Surry County and Wake County.

Lupus support groups provide those living with lupus, their family and caregivers 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. Led by trained volunteers, meeting programs vary from open group discussion to guest speakers and DVD presentation.

“We are very excited about expanding our support group network to the residents in Wayne County and surrounding areas,” said Christine John-Fuller, LFANC President and CEO. “With an estimated 45,000 individuals living with lupus in North Carolina, our support groups are an invaluable service that we provide. We are grateful to our facilitator, Toneshia Cobb, who is integral to making our group a success.”

The following is information about the lupus support group in Wayne County:

WAYNE COUNTY

Goldsboro

Third Saturday of each month

First Meeting: Saturday, April 16

1:00-2:30PM

Faith Presbyterian Church

2114 North Berkeley Blvd.

Goldsboro, NC 27534

This support group will be led by Toneshia Cobb, a lupus thriver and resident of Goldsboro.

For more information about LFANC and the lupus support groups, visit www.lupusnc.org, call 877-849-8271, or email patientservices@lupusnc.org.

About Lupus:

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 is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, 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.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter

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. Serving an estimated 45,000 living with lupus in North Carolina, the chapter is the center of excellence for those affected by lupus, bridging patients, their families, caregivers, and the medical community. For more information about lupus or the LFANC, visit www.lupusnc.org or call (877) 849-8271. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.