Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 29, 2015
The Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter (LFAFL) will be holding a series of programs at Nova Southeastern University at 4850 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32839, Room #111 on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10:00am through 6:30pm. These programs will feature national bestselling authors and will offer learning opportunities about lupus, one of the world’s most cruel and mysterious diseases.
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Its effects can range from mild to life threatening and there is no cure. This disease affects 1 in 185 people and there are about 100,000 Floridians living with lupus. Women make up 90% of lupus patients and women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians. While those who are diagnosed are generally women and girls of childbearing age (15 – 44 years old); lupus can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, or race.
LFAFL is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through research, education and advocacy. As the Lupus Foundation of America’s only Florida Chapter, we provide support, educational programs, and personalized help to the 100,000 people living with lupus in Florida and their loved ones while also supporting research to advance the science and medicine of lupus and to one day find a cure.
The schedule of events offered by LFAFL on Saturday, May 30 at Nova Southeastern University is as follows:
10:00am – 3pm: Support Group Facilitator Training
LFAFL’s support groups are regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gatherings of people living with lupus, their family, friends, or caregivers. The groups are run by trained facilitators. Those who are interested in starting a group or becoming a co-facilitator of an existing group are invited to attend this facilitator training which focuses on group dynamics, how to organize and sustain a successful support group, and LFA policies and procedures.
10:00am – 3pm: Lupus Advocate Bureau Training
This is a new program offered by LFAFL and this is the first time our organization is presenting this training. The Lupus Advocate Bureau’s (LAB) mission is to raise the awareness of lupus by sharing personal stories and accurate information about lupus and LFAFL to targeted audiences in Florida, contributing to earlier diagnosis, proper treatment, and improved prognosis for those affected by this disease. The LAB’s mission is also to heighten understanding of the need for lupus research on the state and federal level and the LFAFL’s ongoing need for financial support.
3 – 6:30pm: Lupus Q&A Seminar
This Lupus Q&A Seminar will feature the authors of the bestselling resource for lupus patients, their families, and medical professionals; Lupus Q&A. This book is the go-to guide for sufferers of lupus – 1.5 million people in the United States alone. Dr. Robert Lahita and Dr. Robert Phillips—leading experts on lupus—discuss topics in a clear, concise, and easy-to-follow Q&A format. Lahita and Phillips review the newest drugs and explore beneficial complementary and alternative treatments, including new data on hormone use. Demystifying everything from diagnosis to the disease’s psychological impact, Lupus Q&A prepares readers to face the challenges ahead—and to restore their health and their lives.
This is an event not to be missed as it provides incredible opportunities for learning more about this disease and how community members throughout the state can make an impact. There is no fee to register or attend any of these programs. Registrants are not required to attend all of the events throughout the day in order to participate; however, if attending multiple programs, registration for each separate program is required.
For more information and to register, please visit http://www.lupusfl.org. Any questions can be directed to info@lupusfl.org or call 561-279-8606.
