The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) is preparing to launch a lupus support group in Asheville and is looking for one to two volunteers to serve as the group facilitator(s).

Lupus support groups 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 will vary from open group discussion to guest speakers and DVD presentation.

Facilitators, while volunteers, are responsible for the several tasks leading up to the launch of the group and administrative tasks after the group has begun which include the initial training, quarterly conference calls with all facilitators around the state, and monthly reports. The goal is for facilitators to host at least 10 support group meetings per calendar year. The LFANC provides each group with year-round support, educational materials, supplies, and assistance with promotion.

“With an estimated 3,500 individuals in Western North Carolina living with lupus, the need is great,” said Christine John-Fuller, LFANC President and CEO. “Our support groups are an invaluable service that we provide to those living with lupus and it’s our facilitators who are integral to making our groups a success. We look forward to expanding our support services to residents in Buncombe County and surrounding areas.”

For those interested in serving as a lupus support group facilitator in Asheville, contact LFANC at 877-849-8271 or info@lupusnc.org. Individuals interested in attending this group, once launched, may contact the LFANC as well.

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. We work 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. The chapter serves an estimated 45,000 living with lupus in North Carolina. 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 and Twitter.