It is estimated that 1.5 million people in America have lupus. This disease has a profound effect on their lives and on the lives of the people that love them. Lupus is an often misdiagnosed illness that is confusing to many health professionals and misunderstood by the media and the masses. It is essential for the lupus patient to have access to competent medical specialists who are using up-to-date treatment options and medications, and to have a support network of friends and family who are educated and aware of how difficult it is to cope with lupus and symptoms of lupus.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America,

• Several studies reveal that the annual average cost to provide medical treatment for a person with lupus ranges between $6,000 and $10,000. For some people with lupus, however, medical costs may exceed several thousand dollars every month.
• Two of three lupus patients reported a complete or partial loss of their income because they are unable to work due to complications of lupus.
• One in three have been temporarily disabled by the disease, and one in four currently receive disability payments.
• In a nationwide poll of 1,000 adults conducted for the Lupus Foundation of America, 38% said they are somewhat or very familiar with lupus, while 39% have only heard of the name of the disease and 22% have never heard of lupus.
• In an another survey, only four of ten young adults ages 18-24 claimed to be aware of lupus, even though the disease often strikes during the childbearing years.
• While 65% of respondents to this survey claimed awareness of lupus, only 20% could offer accurate basic information about the disease.
• People with lupus named other family members (84%) and friends (72%) as their primary support network.
• The survey participants cited pain (65%), lifestyle changes (61%), and emotional problems associated with lupus (50%) as the most difficult factors for coping with lupus.

Lupus impacts an individual on both a personal and economic level. The disease effects them, their families, and their loved ones on a daily basis. This site is dedicated to creating a community of support for lupus patients and their friends and families. It is our goal to provide a forum for discussion of lupus related issues, and to provide a safe haven of support and understanding for everyone whose life is effected by lupus.