Lupus is more pervasive and more severe than people think, and has an impact that the public doesn’t realize. Research shows that nearly two-thirds of the public knows little or nothing about lupus. In commemoration of Lupus Awareness Month in May, the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) will be hosting several events and educational programs to raise awareness about lupus that affects an estimated 45,000 North Carolina residents.

“Too many are not aware of lupus and its brutal impact, so getting involved in Lupus Awareness Month is a great opportunity to do just one thing to make a difference,” said Christine John-Fuller, President & CEO of LFANC. “We urge the public to take action and join our efforts to help solve the cruel mystery of lupus and improve the quality of lives of those living with this devastating disease.”

As part of Lupus Awareness Month, the LFANC is asking the public to “Put On Purple” by wearing purple and telling people why they are showing their support for all people affected by this disease. Put On Purple Day takes place on Friday, May 16 and is an awareness initiative that started in North Carolina and has since expanded nationwide. Other notable activities throughout the month include:

• Lupus Awareness Month in May recognized in North Carolina – Gov. Pat McCrory and several cities are proclaiming May as Lupus Awareness Month throughout the state.

• Throughout May – Support Group Meetings

• Throughout May – Dear Lupus – Share Your Story. Geared for anyone impacted by lupus – individuals, caregivers, friends, etc. – create and upload your “Dear Lupus” video.

• May 1 – Ask the Experts Teleconference: Living with Lupus-An Insider’s Perspective

• May 4 – Walk To End Lupus Now: Charlotte

• May 8 – Ask the Experts Teleconference: Vivir con Lupus

• May 10 – World Lupus Day: Lupus has no boundaries. More than 5 million people around the world have lupus.

• May 15 – Purple Lighting of Duke Energy Center (Charlotte) - The building will be purple an hour before sunrise and again 30 minutes before sunset until midnight.

• May 16 – Put On Purple for lupus awareness.

• May 17 – Walk To End Lupus Now: Asheville

• May 31 – Lupus Empowerment Workshop Series: Raleigh and Fayetteville

The public can learn more about lupus and ways they can get involved in improving awareness of lupus this May by visiting the LFANC's Web site at www.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. 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.