For Immediate Release Contact: J.C. VanderPutten-Bonner
February 10, 2007 516-783-3370

The Lupus Alliance of LI/Q would like to remind the public about their direct patient support services.

Bellmore, NY - The Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate will hold their first Education Day of the year at their

Bellmore office at 2255 Centre Avenue, on Saturday, March 3rd, from 9:30am-3:00pm. Topics will include; facts

about lupus, how to talk to your doctor, medications, and more. Anyone with lupus as well as family members of

someone with lupus are encouraged to attend. Registration is required in advance and includes a light breakfast,

handout materials and lunch. Fees are $10pp for members and $15pp for non-members. Three additional

Education Days will be held on June 2nd, September 8th, and December 1st.

If you need someone to lean on, you can attend one of the Alliance`s monthly support group meetings in Deer

Park, Riverhead, Smithtown, East Meadow, Bellmore and Queens. Also offered is a significant others support

group for anyone who cares about someone with lupus. The groups are held at various times in both afternoon and

evening sessions and anyone with lupus is welcome to attend. Registration is required.

If you need someone to talk to but cannot attend a support group, the Alliance can still help through an innovative

program called LupusLine; a free peer-to-peer counseling service available to anyone with lupus, 18 yrs or older.

Counselors, made up of trained volunteers who have lupus; speak with callers on an ongoing basis about

emotional concerns related to their illness. If you need someone to talk to call the Lupus office at 516-783-3370.

Last year the Alliance started their What`s New?! casual afternoon non-facilitated chats at the Bellmore office and

so far they have been very successful. Anyone with lupus is invited to drop by, bring their lunch and enjoy the good

conversation. Talk about a specific topic, or chat about whatever is on your mind. The next What’s New ?! dates

are on 2/15, 3/15, 4/19, and 5/17.

The Lupus Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with lupus as well as searching for a cure.

If you have lupus or know someone who does, or you would like to register for a support group or education day,

find out more about What`s New?! or speak to a LupusLine counselor please call 1-800-850-9000 or e-mail:

info@lupusliqueens.org