Lupus awareness month

For our dear friend Olivia and others who live with Lupus-

You may have to live uniquely with Lupus, like staying out of the sun, avoiding triggers, taking things slower at times...

but you can live fully and beautifully when you live purposefully.






Even as we are getting ready to leave here, we are reminded that every minute is precious and to cherish them all, taking special attention to enter in the moments, relate with others in love, treasure each other and the time we DO have.



please visit the Lupus Foundation of America site.

Some Quick Facts:

*It is estimated that 1.5/2 million people (out of 304 million) in the United States have some form of lupus.
*80% of lupus patients develop the disease between the ages of 15 & 45.
*Many lupus patients are very sun sensitive, & therefore need to cover up well when in the sun.
*Some lupus patients report of being affected by UV light, eg. from fluorescent lights.
*The treatment of lupus aims to suppress the overactive immune system & diminish any inflammation.
*90% of lupus sufferers are female
*Approximately 95% of lupus patients have a positive ANA test.
*Lupus is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases, based on eleven criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology for classification purposes:
•Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
•Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
•Sunlight sensitivity
•Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores
•Arthritis pain in joints
•Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving
•Kidney problems
•Neurological problems
•Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count
•Immune system malfunction
•Antinuclear antibodies