Systemic Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory, multi-system, autoimmune disease that is hard to diagnose, difficult to manage and if not treated can become life-threatening. The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria and foreign substances. In lupus, the body loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells, creating antibodies against “self” called auto-antibodies, causing the body to attack its own systems and organs.

There is no cure for lupus. Lupus affects adult women 10 times more frequently than men and is more prevalent than sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy, leukemia and cystic fibrosis, yet it is the least known of all the major illnesses.

Over 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with Lupus. Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. It affects 1 out of 62 women of color and 1 out of 123 Caucasian women. Lupus can occur at any age, and in either sex, although it occurs 10-15 times more frequently among adult females than among adult males after puberty.

Approximately 70% of lupus cases are systemic. In about 50% of these cases, a major organ will be affected.

Lupus is NOT infectious, rare or cancerous.

More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. That translates into 44 people per day and 2 people every hour of every day.

During the Walk-Along for Lupus, 9 more people will be diagnosed with lupus before the money is even counted. 9 more people that will need our help, resources and support. 9 more people that will be hoping and waiting for a cure!

Generally, no two people with systemic lupus will have identical symptoms.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms come and go and mimic many other illnesses. Some symptoms of lupus can be transient joint and muscle pain, a rash caused by sunlight, mouth and nose sores (ulcers), low-grade fevers, hair loss, pleurisy, fatigue, anemia, seizures, memory loss, and appetite loss.

Although lupus ranges from mild to life threatening and thousands of Americans die with lupus each year, the majority of cases can be controlled with proper treatment.

Only 10% of people with lupus will have a close relative (parent or sibling) who already has or may develop the disease.

The cause of lupus is unknown. It is likely that there is no single cause but rather a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal factors that work together to cause the disease. The exact cause may differ from person to person.

80% of lupus diagnoses occur in the childbearing years between 15-45.

There have been no new drugs specifically approved or designed for lupus in over 40 years.

On average, it takes 5 years and 7-8 doctors to make an appropriate lupus diagnosis.

To learn more about lupus, including laboratory tests and more please click here

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