May is Lupus Awareness Month! This is an especially personal cause for us at KIRO 7 because someone very special to us is battling this cruel and mysterious disease – Sharon Raible, the beloved wife of our very own Steve Raible. We encourage you to discover more about this disease and learn how you can take action this month in the fight against lupus using the resources available here.
Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems.
At present, there is no cure for lupus. However, lupus can be effectively treated with drugs, and most people with the disease can lead active, healthy lives. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. Understanding how to prevent flares and how to treat them when they do occur helps people with lupus maintain better health. Intense research is underway, and scientists funded by the NIH are continuing to make great strides in understanding the disease, which may ultimately lead to a cure.
May 10: GiveBIG Seattle
Donate to local organizations fighting against Lupus
May 19: Put On Purple Day
Look for Seattle landmarks to light up purple on this day to raise awareness of this debilitating disease. Join the cause by wearing purple, take photos of yourself and post them on social media.
May 20: The Lupus Foundation of America's The Great Unknown Challenge
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.
Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) is one of the few research institutes in the world dedicated to discovering causes and cures to eliminate autoimmune and immune system diseases. At BRI, scientists aren’t focused on eliminating one or two autoimmune diseases—they’re taking on all 80.
The Lupus Research Alliance is transforming the lives of people affected by lupus through the power of science, advocating for key legislative issues, sharing knowledge and advancing clinical trials as well as raising awareness and funds for lupus research.
Cox Media Group
