Lupus International

Basic Information

Address: 17985 Sky Park Circle. Suite J, Irvine CA 92614

Phone Number: 9498332121

Fax Number: 9498331183

Website - Click Here!

Email: info@lupusinternational.com

Director: Christina Kelly, Executive Director

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Additional Information

Causes Served: Health and Human Services

Clearances Required: Yes

Background Check: Yes

Population Served: All ages

Ages for Volunteer: 16-adult

Hours of Service: varies

Minimum Hours Required: varies

Days of Service: varies

Mission Statement:

The primary function of Lupus International is to eradicate lupus by supporting lupus research, alleviate suffering for lupus patients through patient services and effect early detection of undiagnosed cases through awareness promotion.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

We believe caring is doing, which is why until a cure is discovered, Lupus International is truly committed to helping those affected by this devastating disease.

Program History:

Lupus International was founded in 1983, formerly known as the Southern California Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. We have become the primary resource for education and support of Lupus sufferers in Southern California. Lupus International serves eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Our organization has been operating successfully for 25 years and we have provided thousands of people with educational and supportive services. We assist those affected by lupus to live fuller, proactive health-managed, productive lives.

Lupus International’s primary mission is to eradicate lupus by supporting lupus research, alleviating suffering for lupus patients through patient services, and effecting early detection of undiagnosed cases through awareness promotions. Even though lupus is a chronic autoimmune type illness, there is hope. The Lupus Support Center provides encouragement to patients and families with the resources to improve communication and coping skills. We teach techniques on how to manage their disease, as well as informing them about new treatment options.

The Lupus Support Center is the nucleus for education, support, awareness and funding for lupus research. The foundation prides itself in its ability to evolve in response to the ever-changing needs of patients, their families, and medical professionals. In the last year, our support center fielded approximately 10,000 calls from victims of lupus looking for various forms of assistance. Many of these calls are from people that are diagnosed with lupus, or concerned family members desperately seeking information, support services, and referrals for healthcare assistance.

Events:

Lupus Race for Life at the La Mirada Regional Park on October 3, 2010

Additional Information:

What is Lupus?

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the entire body. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder whereby the body’s immune system attacks the recipient and manifests itself in a myriad of ways. The cause for this tragic disease is yet unknown, and there is currently no cure. Treatment is limited to symptomatic control, and toxic side effects to medication are quite common. When a person develops serious lupus, they can develop problems with their kidneys, heart, lungs or blood cells. Lupus has been known to be extremely difficult to diagnose and can mimic other diseases.

We have found that lupus patients have a wide array of needs that extend beyond basic disease healthcare management. Soaring costs of medical care and the ongoing experience of job losses due to layoffs and corporate downsizing have placed added financial stress on Lupus patients and their families. Time and again there are many emotional issues that surface when living with a dreadfully debilitating, life threatening, chronic illness.

An additional impediment for employers, families, and friends is that a large amount of lupus patients appear outwardly healthy. Therefore, it is hard to believe that someone can look good, but not be well enough to work, socialize, take care of themselves and their families, etc. This is one of the paramount complaints from lupus patients. No one seems to understand or identify with them. Just recently, there was a segment on ABC’s Good Morning America entitled “Hope for lupus sufferers.” This program, which aired on August 31, 2006, highlighted the fact that many health conscious women may be overlooking one of the most overlooked, chronic diseases that affect mainly women. This disease is lupus.

Awareness is a key element in the diagnosis of lupus. It takes approximately 4-5 years to be properly diagnosed with this illness. During this time, lupus can begin to attack the organs. In many cases, organ failure and the unfortunate loss of life can be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment.