Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America (Foundation), founded in 1977, is a national voluntary health organization based in Washington, DC with a network of chapters, offices and support groups located in communities throughout the United States. The Foundation is devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.

The Lupus Foundation of America is a charitable organization with tax-exempt status granted under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is a BBB Accredited Charity^[1] and highly rated by Charity Navigator.^[2]

Research

The Lupus Foundation of America’s National Research Program is focused on identifying the causes of lupus, accelerating development of new treatments and finding cures. It employs a three-pronged approach to advancing the science and medicine of lupus - lead efforts to improve lives today and find cures, fund direct grants to researchers in medical institutions across the U.S. to advance the lupus research field, and advocate for new money and expanded resources from the biggest funders in research-the federal government and the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. The Lupus Foundation of America’s Center for Clinical Trials Education also provides a comprehensive search tool for clinical trials, points to consider before participating in a clinical trial and a guide to clinical research terms.

The Foundation’s direct grant programs, combined with their advocacy efforts, have led to a total investment of $80 million for lupus research and education.

Education & Support

The Foundation provides answers to questions and gives caring support to people with lupus and their loved ones. The organization works with lupus experts^[3] to answer questions, provide tools, resources and referrals to doctors who treat lupus, and help guide all those affected by lupus toward a better quality of life. With the support of the organization’s National Network of chapters, offices, and support groups, the Foundation hosted more than 2,400 support group meetings and education programs and participating in more than 600 health fairs in 2013 alone.^[4] Through their National Health Educator Call Center and programs conducted by their National Network, the organization provides direct education, support and referrals for more than 60,000 people.^[5] They also provide information to nearly 6 million people through their website annually.^[6]

Advocacy

The Lupus Foundation of America and its network of lupus activists across the country have worked diligently to stimulate more than $66 million in federal and state funds for lupus research and education programs.^[7] The organization works daily with the United States Congress, federal government agencies and state legislatures to make biomedical research and innovation for lupus a priority. In 2013 alone, the Foundation’s activists successfully stimulated more than $11 million in new funding for lupus research and education programs. The Foundation stimulated $28 in federal lupus research and education for every $1 invested in advocacy.^[8]

Awareness

The Foundation’s signature fundraising program, Walk to End Lupus Now™, has events in more than 60 communities and 70,000 participants, generating visibility, public understanding and support for people with lupus. Money raised is used to support lupus research, education and advocacy programs that serve to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus.

References

External links

• The Lupus Foundation of America's Website
• Walk to End Lupus Now