Reply #53: Thank you. I wish more people would understand

[DemBones DemBones]

what chronic diseases are like. It's easy enough to look them up, read the symptoms, and gain some understanding.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. Yet there is little funding for lupus research, compared to other diseases, some of which affect far fewer people but have had better publicity.

I suspect that's because 90% of people with lupus are women, and primarily African-American and Native American women.

There's a bill in the House now, but it hasn't made it out of subcommittee. DUers can help! It won't take but a couple of minutes to do.

The Lupus REACH – Research, Education, Awareness, Communication, and Healthcare – Amendments of 2007 (H.R. 1192), was recently introduced by U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek. This bill will significantly enhance efforts to understand and treat lupus.
The REACH Amendments will increase lupus research, support vital lupus epidemiology studies and data collection, and authorize programs to heighten public and professional awareness of lupus. We need YOU to take immediate action to help this legislation become law. Please go to http://capwiz.com/lfa/issues/alert/?alertid=9533171 to send a letter to your U.S. Representative urging him/her to co-sponsor the Lupus REACH Amendments of 2007. (If you would like you can modify and personalize the letter.)

more at

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=665&zoneid=99

And here you can find out if your rep has co-sponsored the bill. Mine hasn't and he's an M.D., who's going to hear from me about this! Of course he's a Republican.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR01192:@@@P