Executive director of the Michigan Indiana Lupus Alliance speaks about the most serious form of lupus

The Lupus Alliance of America Michigan Indiana Affiliate will give a presentation, dubbed “What is Lupus” to community members at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library—Pike Branch on Wednesday, March 24.

Thomas Roberts, Executive Director of the LAA, Michigan Indiana Affiliate will provide attendees with an introduction to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the most serious form of lupus. This incurable disease is one in which the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack its own healthy tissue and organs. Although many people have not heard of lupus, it does affect more Americans than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis combined.

Those who attend this presentation will be given a free one-year membership to the LAA, Michigan Indiana Affiliate. The Alliance currently has chapters in Fort Wayne and South Bend, and this presentation is the beginning of the organization’s attempt to expand and help more people in other parts of Indiana.

Roberts is happy that the organization is able to go further into Indiana so more people can benefit from its services.

“I’m hoping to build a partnership with local community members so we can get a support group in this area,” he said. “It’s important for people with a disease as challenging as lupus to know they have somewhere to turn for help.”

The Alliance is also hosting its first Indiana lupus symposium in Warsaw on Saturday, March 27. “Lupus, Take Control of Your Life” will welcome people from all parts of the state and health professionals will cover topics such as kidneys, oral care, diagnosis, treatment options and lab tests for people who have, or may have lupus.

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library is located at 6525 Zionsville Road in Indianapolis. The presentation on lupus will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. A short discussion will follow for those interested in started a support group in the greater Indianapolis area. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the presentation in Indianapolis or the symposium in Warsaw, call (800) 705-6677 or visit www.milupus.org. The “What is Lupus” presentation is not sponsored by Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.