Yesterday, we announced that Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion will carry an exclusive ONEHOPE Chardonnay with half of profits donated to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).  Today, we want to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about this autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and the Lupus Foundation of America, which is devoted to raising awareness of and finding a cure for lupus while giving caring support to those suffering from the disease.

Even though it is a difficult disease to diagnose, an American is diagnosed with lupus every 30 minutes. With no clear cause and a wide range of symptoms, lupus can be a devastating disease that often strikes without warning and has no cure. Lupus usually begins between ages 15 and 44 and lasts a lifetime, and 90% of those diagnosed are women. Women of color are at higher risk of diagnosis. Health effects can include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and miscarriages.  An individual with lupus is more susceptible to infection than most people.  This can be due to the lupus itself affecting the immune system, as well as the medications used to treat lupus.  It can be disabling and fatal, but in most cases Lupus can be managed through aggressive treatment and appropriate lifestyle changes.

Improvements in diagnosis, a greater understanding of how medications can work together to control symptoms, and increased knowledge of the effects of the disease have allowed better management of lupus over time. Today people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history.  The Lupus Foundation of America provides critical information, helpful resources, and caring support for people affected by lupus and their families, while continuing to advance the science and medicine of lupus through our research and advocacy efforts.