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S.L.E. Lupus Foundation

SLe lupus Foundation


Last Updated: 5/15/2009

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Age: 39
Sign: Capricorn

City: NEW YORK
State: New York
Country: US
Signup Date: 7/31/2006

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Friday, May 15, 2009 

It’s National Lupus Awareness Month:
Tell us what you've done to get the word out!

Tell us and other lupus advocates like yourself on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SLE-Lupus-Foundation/8959714044

Or post a comment to our MySpace page: www.myspace.com/lupusny  


Some sure-fire awareness-spreading ideas we’ve seen:

Talk to the women in your life about lupus. They’ll have questions. Here’s where to find the answers: 
         - What is lupus? 
         - Who gets lupus? 
         - What are its symptoms? 
         - How is it diagnosed? 
         - How is it treated?

Show friends the new “Could I Have Lupus?” Public Service Advertising campaign at www.couldihavelupus.gov.

Stash lupus awareness bracelets in your purse to pass along the next time you’re out and about! Think of the awareness we’ll spread if we each hand out just 10! Buy the official “Life Without Lupus” bracelets here.

Tell a friend about our Spring Cash Raffle for Research…they may well ask you what “Lupus” is! Purchase tickets here.

 

Did You Know? It’s Official Now…

May 5th is Lupus Awareness Day in New York State!

To commemorate the day, we met up with other New York lupus and health organizations at the state capitol in Albany.


The day’s highlight: a special presentation of the New York State Legislative Resolution declaring May 2009 “Lupus Awareness Month in New York State.” 


 

That’s our Executive Director, Margaret Dowd, in the purple jacket on the left (above). What’s the resolution actually mean? Find out here.

 

Have You Been Feeling a Warmth in the Air?


Put Spring into Your Step with Us this National Women's Health Week

Get a check up!
Get some exercise!
Get into the loop!


…especially if you have lupus!


Find out why from Danielle Slutsker, MSW, our tireless director of social services, who answers questions about exercise and lupus in this month’s advice column. 


Danielle says some patients believe that since they are sick, they have a “get out of exercise free card,” but that’s not the case. Research shows that regular exercise leads to a decrease in symptoms and pain, and an increase in energy! Check out her advice.”  Read her answers » 



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Friday, May 01, 2009 

What's New

It’s Lupus Awareness Month. How Will You Spread Awareness?

It’s in your power to spread the word about lupus, and possibly even stop the disease from causing lasting damage in friends, family, and colleagues who might be at its early stages and wondering, could I have lupus?


 

A new survey shows that as many as 80 percent of young women in America say they have little or no knowledge of lupus—yet they’re the ones most at risk for developing the disease!


By supporting the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, you helped us be there to take part in shaping and launching the Ad Council’s new Public Service Campaign along with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health, and other lupus groups.


Now, with the message starting to appear nationwide in print, TV, radio, and the Internet, make it go even farther by forwarding this LINK now! 

What else you can do for Lupus Awareness Month…

Tell friends to swing by 10 Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 49th Streets at Rockefeller Center (on the Today Show plaza!) and take a look at our massive “lupus awareness” window. It’s up for the month!



Get inspiration from Foundation Executive Director Peggy Dowd’s “Saturday Mornings with Joy Keys” radio conversation about lupus awareness and research. Peggy is also the president of our research arm, the Lupus Research Institute.

Sign Up to be a Partner for Lupus! If you have lupus, or know someone with lupus, you have something incredibly powerful: insight and understanding. Let us match you up with a "partner" who can exchange advice and support with you by phone, email, or in person (you two will decide!). Call us at 212.685.4118 to learn more or apply—the deadline is May 15th! 

Grab a friend and come over to our “Living Life Healthy with Lupus: Looking and Feeling Good” afternoon of free workshops and demonstrations (on massage, makeup, hair, sun protection, more) at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The event is May 23rd but RSVP by May 15th—registration is limited! Details 

Live near Albany? Stop by the NY State Capitol on Lupus Awareness Day, Tuesday, May 5th 8:30am - 2:00pm at the Legislative Office Building in Albany Details 

Give to us, so that we can give—services, education, hope through research—to others struggling with lupus. Donate online

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Monday, April 27, 2009 

Paradysz sets 416.09 miles as new 24-hour ride record at PA Velodrome

BREINIGSVILLE, Pa., April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In just 22 hours, 26 minutes and 34 seconds, amateur cyclist Chris Paradysz bested the 24-hour track record at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, going on to establish a new record of 416.09 miles (669.63 kilometers) biked in 24 hours. The previous record of 391.29 miles (629.72 kilometers) was set in 1980. Paradysz undertook this daunting physical challenge to raise money for the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, one of the nation's leading lupus organizations. Paradysz's 19 year old daughter Allie suffers from the disease.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090426/DC106276 )

"I wanted to do something that required mental toughness and physical endurance," explains Paradysz, "because that is what it takes to live with lupus every day. I did this to honor my daughter and the other brave people with lupus."

"This was an amazing accomplishment and a testament to a father's love for his daughter," said Margaret G. Dowd, executive director of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. "Lupus is a young women's disease that often goes undiagnosed. It has been over 50 years since a new treatment was approved for lupus. Research money is urgently needed. Extraordinary efforts, like Chris's ride, bring needed attention to the disease and help raise research funding."

Paradysz, age 47, cycled as a teenager. But, until he began training for the 24-hour ride attempt last summer, he had rarely ridden a bike in 25 years.

To make a donation or read the blog detailing his training, go to www.lifewithoutlupus.org.

About the Valley Preferred Cycling Center

Valley Preferred Cycling Center, the most prestigious professional cycling track in North America, is located in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.thevelodrome.com.

About the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, headquartered in New York City with a West Coast division in Los Angeles, is the country's preeminent nonprofit organization providing direct patient services, education, public awareness and funding for novel lupus research on the national level.

About Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.), commonly called lupus, is a chronic and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder and one of the nation's least recognized major diseases. For more information about Lupus and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, log ontowww.LupusNY.org

Website: http://www.LupusNY.org/
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 
Eighty percent of young women in the United States say they have little or no knowledge of lupus, according to a national online survey released today by the Ad Council.

In an effort to raise awareness of lupus among women who are at greatest risk for the disease, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health is joining the Ad Council to launch a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign to address the disease.

The campaign is being unveiled this morning by Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H and model Mercedes Yvette in the Great Hall at HHS and the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week.

Lupus is a serious national health problem, affecting as many as one of every 200 Americans, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Ninety percent of those with the disease are women and it is three times more common among minority women.

As a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells and tissue as though they were foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. It is one of the least recognized diseases and one of the most difficult to diagnose. It is an inflammatory disease that can attack many body systems.

The new PSA campaign primarily aims to reach minority women of childbearing age (18 to 44), who are at greatest risk for lupus. The objective is to help these women understand the disease and its effects and help them identify early warning signs so they can ask their doctor for a medical evaluation.

Watch the PSA Video




"Despite its prevalence in the United States, lupus is rarely discussed and often misunderstood among women in our country," said Dr. Wanda K. Jones, deputy assistant secretary for women's health at HHS. "Through this campaign with the Ad Council, we can significantly increase awareness and help women achieve early diagnosis, which will give them the greatest chance for improved health and long-term survival."

Without intervention, lupus can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, disability, and in many cases, death. The disease can have a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, hair loss, painful or swollen joints, fever, skin rashes and kidney problems. However, in the majority of people who are living with lupus, early and effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation and pain, help maintain normal functions and prevent the development of serious complications.

"I took my symptoms seriously and was able to get diagnosed and start treatment early. As a result, I've been able to lead a healthy life," explains Yvette, a Lupus Foundation of America spokesperson. "Taking care of myself is all about finding the right balance - the right doctors, the right meds, the right people and the right workout."

"Our research found that lupus is not listed among the top health concerns for women and many have minimal knowledge of the disease," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "By increasing the level of awareness and understanding about lupus and its symptoms, we can encourage women to seek a medical evaluation early so they can take control of the disease and reduce their risk for serious complications. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for this critical campaign."

The Ad Council's survey found that only 18 percent of women are personally concerned about lupus. The majority of respondents expressed concern about other health-related conditions, including cancer (67 percent), depression (61 percent), high blood pressure (58 percent), diabetes (57 percent) and arthritis (52 percent). Furthermore, approximately 29 percent could not correctly define lupus as an autoimmune disease, and 31 percent were not aware that women of childbearing age are most at risk.

Created pro bono by Los Angeles-based ad agency Muse Communications, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web advertising, which will all be available in Spanish. The new ads feature real women in the target audience who have been diagnosed with lupus. They portray women who are experiencing symptoms of the disease but have not yet asked their doctors, "Could I have lupus?"

The PSAs conclude with the tagline, "For answers. For support. For hope." and direct women to visit a new interactive and comprehensive Web site, www.couldIhavelupus.gov, or call a toll-free number (1-800-994-9662) to learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for lupus and access local resources. The site, which is also available in Spanish, encourages visitors to upload their personal stories and post comments in an effort to initiate a dialogue about the disease among the target audiences.

"The Diaries' creative is a special body of work that starts and ends with the women that are affected by Lupus," said Jo Muse, executive chairman and creative director "They spoke to us so deeply and we just wanted the messages to ring true and be impactful."

Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign on popular social networking sites and blogs frequented by women.

Also, the Ad Council and HHS' Office on Women's Health are engaging a series of campaign partners in the federal government and nonprofit sectors to further the reach of the messages to their groups and members. These include the Lupus Research Institute National Coalition, S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, Alliance for Lupus Research, American College of Rheumatology, The Black Women's Health Imperative, Center for Lupus Care, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic Federation, Lupus Alliance of America, Lupus Support Group, National Institutes of Health, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and The Wright Group.

The new PSAs and Web sites have been researched extensively and tested with women in the target audiences. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council's model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

Campaign launch activities will continue throughout the next several months to coincide with Mother's Day and Lupus Awareness Month, which is May.

The online survey was commissioned by the Ad Council and HHS and conducted in partnership with Greenfield Online from Feb. 28 to March 8, 2009. The sample consisted of 430 women between the ages of 18 and 44 who had never been diagnosed or treated for lupus. Respondents were part of households that are members of a large national opt-in panel managed by Greenfield Online. The Greenfield panel is nationally representative of the U.S. online population. Preset sampling specifications were set to ensure a nationally representative sample of women, reflecting a range of demographic groups.

OWH
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its Vision is to ensure that "All Women and Girls are Healthier and Have a Better Sense of Well Being." Its mission is to "provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches." The strategy OWH uses to achieve its mission and vision is through the development of innovative programs, by educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.

The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

Muse Communications
Muse Communications is an independent multicultural agency. The agency services clients in various industries, including health care, automotive, banking, insurance, government agencies and beverages. Muse resides in Hollywood, Calif. For more information contact Muse at (323) 960-4080 or visit www.museusa.com.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009 

New York State is considering two important pieces of lupus legislation. 



· A00284  now in the Assembly Ways & Means Committee creates an education and outreach program for the autoimmune disease known as lupus; provides for an advisory council consisting of representatives of people with lupus and their families and health care providers who specialize in treating lupus; appropriates funds for the lupus education and awareness program.  Sponsor: Aurelia Greene
· S02847  now in the Senate Finance Committee creates an education and outreach program for the autoimmune disease known as lupus; and authorizes an appropriation  Sponsor: Diane Savino

Tell your elected official to support them – HERE’S HOW:
It may take a moment, but you will be making a difference for New Yorkers with lupus! :

1)     Find out if your local elected officials are on either the New York State Assembly Ways & Means Committee or the New York State Senate Finance Committee

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/ - the right side of this webpage asks you to enter your zip code to find the Assembly member representing your area.

http://www.senate.state.ny.us/sdlookup.nsf/Public_search?OpenForm – enter your zip code to find the Senator representing your district.

2)     Once you get the name(s), check these links to see if he or she is on either the two committees currently reviewing the lupus legislation.

Who is on the Assembly Ways & Means Committee

http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/?sec=mem&id=41

Who is on the Senate Finance Committee
      http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/STATDOC/COMS13.HTML

3)     If you find one of your legislators on either of these committees, please make a call!

Call both the local district office and the Albany office; their contact information is on their web page. Urge them to support the lupus bills!


Here’s a sample script:  



I live in [XX, NY] and would like:

 

·        Senator [XX] to please support S2847 which is now under consideration in the Finance Committee or

 

·        Assembly member [XX] to please support A284 which is now under consideration in the Ways and Means Committee.
 

·        I have lived with lupus for [XX] years
 

·        Lupus has affected me and my family in many ways (can’t work, high cost of prescription medications, etc)
 

·        This legislation supports a statewide education and outreach program that would benefit all New Yorkers, whether they are at risk for getting lupus, or already have lupus.  This disease is really hard to live with. It’s debilitating, and it costs a lot. These bills would improve my quality of life.
 

·        I think it would be great if Senator/Assembly member would support this bill. 
 

·        Thank you very much.


 
To get a summary or the full text of the bill, click on the bill number above.  
 

Thank you for your time and support –

together we will make a difference!

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Friday, February 20, 2009 

February is Heart Health Month



What You Should Know About Lupus and the Heart, from the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation:

"I’m only 22 and the doctor says I could have heart disease! I don't get it. I take good care of myself."

Getting exercise and eating a healthy diet make a huge difference in keeping the heart healthy.

But with lupus, you need to take even more steps to protect your heart because the disease by itself can sometimes cause inflammation and bad changes to this muscle.

A young woman with lupus—under age 40—is almost five times more likely than her friends to have coronary artery disease, no matter whether she smokes, has high blood pressure or diabetes, is overweight, or has other habits or health problems that makes coronary artery disease more likely.


Read more from our brochure, and also find tips and strategies on doing the most you can for the health of your heart from The Heart Truth national awareness campaign being sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Think you know the signs of a heart attack, for example? See if you do » 
 
The Heart Truth and Red Dress are trademarks of DHHS.
 



Single with Lupus


An advice column from Danielle Slutsker, MSW, manager of social services for the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation


Most women agree: dating can be fun, frustrating, exciting, and dreadful at the same time.

But add a chronic disease like a lupus, and dating can become truly difficult and an overall stress. 

I’m here to tell you that although lupus may add constraints, it is realistic to date, have a relationship, and find love.

First, it’s important to admit to yourself when you are ready to start dating.

Your introduction to the dating world needs to be balanced and unhurried so you can maintain a feeling of self-assurance and self-respect. Continue reading »

Have your own questions for Danielle? Email her at dslutsker@lupusny.org  


Countdown to the Ride for a Life Without Lupus

We're just two months away from the "Ride for a Life Without Lupus," Chris Paradysz's daunting attempt to bike for 24 record-breaking hours—without stopping!—at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, PA. He'll start on Saturday, April 25th and won't finish until he's pedaled his way to a record 396 miles or more.

Is he crazy? Maybe! But he's committed as a father and a fighter to do what he can to raise awareness and funds for lupus research.
It's a challenge of endurance, focus and commitment—all for the millions of people battling lupus day after day.

With your help, he'll get there.

Pledge your support at LifeWithoutLupus.org—make a donation, have your company sponsor the ride, and follow his progress on Facebook and YouTube. 
 

A Patient and Her Doctor, a Team Against Lupus

Writer Alida Brill partners with her long-time lupus doctor, Michael Lockshin, MD, for Dancing at the River's Edge, a dual memoir tracing the growth of their unique friendship over a span of decades.

Their shared account chronicles the growth of the doctor-patient bond, the frustrations and emotional toll of living with lupus, and the mental struggles and conflicts that a doctor must face in deciding how best to treat a patient.

We're giving away an autographed copy of Dancing at the River's Edge 


Enter to win: email lstegmaier@lupusny.org with your name and shipping address by Friday, February 20th at 5:00 pm EST. We will draw one name from the entries and notify the winner on Monday, February 23rd. 

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Thursday, January 29, 2009 




Men Have Lupus, Too


And face unique physical and emotional challenges...

You’ve probably heard the numbers—nine out of 10 people with lupus are female. But if you’re a man that has been diagnosed with lupus, the numbers
don’t really matter. Your lupus is just as difficult to live with as a
woman’s.

Like many men with lupus, you may struggle with the idea that you have a
“woman’s disease.” But even though many more women than men develop lupus, your diagnosis has no connection to your manliness.

What it does mean is that lupus information valuable to you may be
harder to find. This issue of The Cooperative Corner is a good place to turn first!
Read more » 
 

Living with Lupus Q&A: Manny Roldano


Lupus in men isn't rare. In fact, there have been
several high-profile men with lupus: former Major League Baseball outfielder Tim Raines, R&B singer Seal, Hip Hop artist J Dilla, and late CBS broadcaster
Charles Kuralt.

This month, we talk to Brooklynite Emmanual "Manny" Roldano, age 46, to get a local man’s perspective on living with lupus.

When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with lupus in 1982. I had never heard of it before then. More » 
 


The New York Bag Ladies Are Coming


This one is for you, ladies

Save Tuesday, April 21st, for the next great New York City lupus fundraiser. This exciting luncheon at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan will feature a silent (but lively!) auction of beautiful designer and celebrity handbags as we present our “Woman of Achievement” Award to Meredith Vieira, co-host of NBC's Today
Show. Details » 
 


Want to Give Back to the NYC Lupus Community?


Our tireless Social Services Director, Danielle Slutsker, and staff members
are creating new ways for you to help us help people with lupus through hard times. 

Give Winter Necessities: Bring gently used clothing and nonperishable food items that women and children with lupus living in East Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx might get use out of (we'll also take toys for the kids if you have some to pass on!). Donations accepted through Thursday, February 19th at the Foundation's midtown offices at 330 Seventh Avenue and 29th Street, Suite 1701. Please call ahead to schedule a drop-off time, 212-685-4118.

Volunteer! There are three ways: help out at our neighborhood centers, pitch in at fundraisers, or assist with patient programs. Whether you can give a few hours each week, or a few days here and there, we can always use your help! Email Danielle Slutsker at dslutsker@lupusny.org or call 212-685-4118 to discuss your options.
 

New Lupus Cooperative of New York Walk-In Hours 


If you live in Northern Manhattan, Brooklyn or the Bronx, you don't always
need an appointment to talk with a lupus counselor in your neighborhood. Stop by
our outreach offices at these times each week to learn more about our community-based support services:

Northern Manhattan: Thursdays from 11am-3:30pm
2253 Third Avenue, 4th Floor

Bronx: Fridays 11am-3:30pm
1070 Southern Boulevard, 1st Floor

Brooklyn: Wednesdays 11am-3pm
161 Ashland Place (lower level)
 





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Thursday, December 18, 2008 

Dear Friends,

Help us make more emergency grants to
New Yorkers living with lupus!

Donate Today!

During this holiday season, please help the neediest New Yorkers living with lupus with a contribution to the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation's Emergency Grant Program. 

Joanna has been living with lupus for 29 years. Recently, she braved the city streets for refills of the six prescription drugs she must take every day only to learn she no longer qualified for the pharmacy's drug discount.

"I desperately need my meds," Joanna said. "Otherwise, I'm in so much pain."

Joanna's income had exceeded the limit, but she couldn't afford to pay full price. That's when she turned to us for an emergency grant of $282. 

Our Emergency Grant Program provides immediate help when other resources run out.  So far in 2008, we have distributed over $10,000 in emergency grants for medical services and other vital needs.

For just $140, we helped Shirley gain a new outlook on life. Shirley lost most of her hair to lupus. With her small fixed income, she couldn't afford a wig, although she knew a full head of hair would give her a healthier appearance and a real shot at landing a part-time job.

We gave Shirley money for a beautiful new wig and helped her find the right wig store and style. 

Your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of New Yorkers living with lupus. For just $25, $50, $100 or more, you can help us provide essentials to someone who's struggling.

For just $126, Tamika got new school clothes. Tamika is a 24-year old full-time college student. Her debilitating lupus and demanding classes leave her too exhausted to take on a job so she lives with her retired grandmother.

But Tamika gained more than 20 pounds because of her lupus medication and badly needed new school clothes. With our emergency grant, she was able to buy blouses, pants and a winter coat. 

Please help us continue our critical emergency grant program for New Yorkers living with lupus through your secure online donation now! 

 

Make a Donation Today 

 

 

S.L.E. Lupus Foundation

About the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation
The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is the preeminent lupus organization providing direct patient services, education, public awareness, and funding for lupus research.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2008 

"Life Without Lupus" Gala Celebrates Families United for a Cure

 

Mayor Bloomberg, South Pacific Star Kelli O'Hara, and CBS broadcaster Charles Osgood Pay Tribute

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined the Foundation in honoring families dedicated to the fight against lupus at our "Life Without Lupus" gala last Thursday night.

The gala at Times Square's Marriott Marquis raised millions of dollars for patient services, community outreach, and research to find better treatments and a cure lupus. It's the nation's largest annual benefit for lupus.

Legendary CBS broadcaster Charles Osgood emceed the program, which featured a stirring performance from three-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara.

South Pacific star Kelli O'Hara and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"This is the time," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Every dollar brings us closer to conquering this disease…I have no doubt we will find a cure for lupus very soon."

The Foundation presented the annual "Corporate Leadership Award" to Genentech, one of the world's leading biotech companies, in honor of its commitment and progress in research to find safer and more effective therapies for people with lupus.

Dr. Andrew C. Chan, Genentech's Senior Vice President of Immunology and Antibody Engineering

In recognizing the dedication of two families in particular to the lupus cause—the Selkowitz family of Stamford, Connecticut and the Paradysz Family of Mill Neck, New York—the gala celebrated the contribution of all families to finding a cure, raising awareness, and caring for people with the disease. 

Honorees Adam, Betsey, Arty and Jed Selkowtiz

The Selkowitz family of four was honored for their exceptional dedication to the lupus cause on both coasts. Adam now chairs the Foundation's west coast division, Lupus LA. His parents, Betsey and Arty Selkowitz, serve in national leadership positions. Brother Jed is a lupus volunteer and advocate in Atlanta.

"We've all lived with my lupus," said Adam. "We've all had to listen to the doctors, wait for the test results, learn about the side effects of the medications and deal with the realities of the disease."

 

Honorees Allie, Dani, Nico, Angie and Chris Paradysz

With her parents and two siblings on stage beside her, Allie Paradysz, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2002 at age 12, said "chances are you know someone with lupus, or you know someone who knows someone. And if you don't, you do now."

Allie's father Chris Paradysz, a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors, aims to raise awareness and funds for life-saving lupus research through a potentially record-breaking "Ride for a Life Without Lupus" bicycle ride in April 2009.

His goal? 394 miles over 24 continuous hours to break the record...and to bring attention to lupus and the desperate need for better treatments and a cure.

Where and when? Chris will take the track at the Lehigh County Velodrome in Trexlertown, PA, from April 25-26, 2009. And we're all invited to come out and watch!

Can he do it? Follow Chris at www.LifeWithoutLupus.org. Read his training blog, post your support, make a donation and tell your friends!

 

Learn more about the families honored at http://www.lupusny.org/lupus_gala_honoree.php

S.L.E. Lupus Foundation
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 

Are You Ready for the Pumpkins?

Join us in Central Park this Saturday for the 2nd Annual New York Pumpkin Festival, featuring a special walk for lupus awareness!

On October 25th the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation welcomes our summertime partner Camp Sunshine to our hometown for a celebration of pumpkins, Halloween fun, and support for families coping with life-threatening illnesses like lupus.

Presented in partnership with the City of New York Parks & Recreation Department, the festival runs from 3pm to 8pm in Central Park. Enter at 72nd Street in Manhattan and head for the Bandshell area in the center of the park.

Bring the entire family in their Halloween costumes! Pick up a free pumpkin at the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Pumpkin Patch. Watch tens of thousands of pumpkins transformed into the largest jack-o-lantern display in New York City's history. Visit the Spook-tacular Haunted House. Enjoy live music and performances from the Big Apple Circus and others. Plus, face painting, tons of Halloween candy, kids' games, and more.

And the best part? We'll be leading a Walk for Lupus Awareness through the park at 5pm. Just send an email to register to kanastasia@lupusny.org.

In addition to our pumpkin patch, at our booth we'll be giving away orange "Life Without Lupus" wristbands, tasty treats and tons of important information on lupus. We can't wait to see you there!

View a schedule of activity locations and times »

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