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Lupus Foundation of Northern California 
September 22, 2014
LFNC News
 
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In the Black: Read LFNC's Annual Report for FY 2014, highlighting a financial comeback, new programs, and low administrative overhead.

REVIEW US!

In the last three years, LFNC has been honored with the GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Award, based on feedback from clients, volunteers and supporters who gave favorable reviews regarding their experience with the organization.

 

Please help us achieve this honor again this year by answering a few questions on the review site for LFNC.  Clicking  HERE will take you to the review site. It just takes a few minutes. We thank you in advance!

 
The Summer NewSLEtter is Here!

The Summer 2014 issue, headlined "The Heart of Lupus", features articles ranging in subject from cardiovascular disease in lupus to exciting new lupus drug trials to a detailed discussion of the immune system and updates on LFNC's activities.
It was Colleen and Joe Brown this year. Will it be you next year?

Check out Colleen Brown, Joe, and daughter Kira picking up their brand new Mercedes!


 
Colleen and Joe have supported the Lupus Foundation for the past 15 years.

Do you want to join the Browns in the list of our winners? Because we know you do, we have opened up next year's drawing early, and you can already buy tickets!
 
 
The tickets are only $75, but you can get three (3) for $200 and five (5) for $300. Buy early, and you will be eligible for two incredible early bird prizes - a shopping spree and a cruise - in addition to the 2015 Mercedes!
 
To buy your tickets, fill out the form, or call the office at 408-954-8600. And keep your lucky charm bracelet handy!

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Researchers Find Plant Compound Successful in Fighting Lupus Nephritis


Researchers at the University of Houston, led by lead scientist Chandra Mohan, have developed a plant-derived treatment - a compound called CODO - for lupus nephritis that they say have demonstrated effectiveness in mice with no side effects.

The researchers found that the compound successfully halted each phase of lupus nephritis development in the mice. "The development of lupus is a two-step reaction," Mohan explains. "First, the immune system develops antibodies that attack the body's own DNA, then that activated immune system attacks the kidneys. We found that CDDO may block both of these steps."

Further, Dr. Mohan noted that no noticeable side effects were observed, as CODO is made from plants.

"As far as we have tested in these experiments, we found that the CDDO compound had no known side effects. Additionally, compared with many other test compounds we've previously tried for treating lupus, this one appears to be much more effective."

Researchers noted the need for further study, and eventual progression to human clinical trials, and as such, a possible treatment still has a ways to go before coming to market. Still, the study ignites hope that it may one day be possible to treat - or even cure - lupus without side effects that can be as devastating as the disease itself.

Break the Silence: Study Finds Lupus Patients' Sufferings Go Unnoticed


A new survey has shed light on the debilitating effects of lupus on patients - from difficulty in diagnosis to affecting work and family life. While this is common knowledge within the lupus community, because of the nature of lupus, many outside the community are unaware of those who suffer in silence.

The survey found high levels of depression and anxiety among lupus patients (85% and 90%, respectively), the average time to diagnose the disease correctly to be a high six years, and more than half of lupus patients surveyed reported being either unemployed or working part-time due to their disease. Over 70% of patients say lupus affects their social activities, which no doubt contributes to depression and anxiety.

And yet,

"Throughout the course of their disease, people with lupus experience significant symptoms such as pain, fatigue, depression, cognitive issues and physical impairment that impact every facet of life," explains Sandra Raymond, president and chief executive officer of the Lupus Foundation of America. "Despite these devastating complications, lupus can be hard for others to see because there may be no visible symptoms."


As the lupus community, it is time for us to break the silence. If you or a loved one is suffering in silence, you don't have to. Give us a call at 408-954-8600, and our programs can help you cope with the effects of the disease, find a supportive environment, and lead a more productive life.
Information contained in this e-Newsletter should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or management of S.L.E. and symptoms by a physician.   
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Editor: Spandan Chakrabarti
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2010 Mercedes