LUTDUSS HUGS Gains Made Against Baffling Disease (NAPSA)—During Lupus Awareness Month, the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) urges women to learn more about this puzzling disease. Photo: Copyright Patrick McMullan N.Y. Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson IV and actor Michael Douglasat the Alliance for Lupus Research’s recent gala that raised an unprecedented $1.5 million for lupus research. Lupus, is an illusive, hard-todiagnose condition. Some people suffer for years before they even know what they have. It’s considered an autoimmune disease and more than 90 percent of lupus patients are women. Over the past four decades the incidence of lupus has tripled. The ALR has assembled top-notch researchers to learn why the body’s immune system sometimes attacks its own organsandtissues. “We need to understand what triggers lupus’ onset, and how to best treat its symptoms,” said John H. Kippel, M.D., ALR’s scientific director. “Although lupus can be fatal, symptoms can be controlled and most patients lead active lives. Preventing complications, however, requires early detection and diagnosis.” Common symptomsinclude: achy or swollen joints prolonged or extreme fatigue frequent fevers anemia kidney or neurologic disease chest pains with deep breathing * rashes * sun sensitivity * mouth ulcers New York Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson IV has been a driving force behind the ALR. Working with the Arthritis Foundation, he co-founded the organization. For more informa- tion, call (800) 867-1748 or visit www.lupusresearch.org.
