Lupus is a disease in which the body attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. It can damage the joints, skin, kidneys, and other parts of the body. No one knows for sure what causes lupus. But some groups of people have higher rates of lupus. African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. African-American women tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms than white women.
Friday, May 17 is Put On Purple for lupus awareness. As part of Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) is inviting the public to help raise awareness about lupus by wearing purple on May 17.
Originally started in North Carolina, Put On Purple is now a nationwide event in which thousands of people from around the country wear purple to help show support for all those affected by lupus, which impacts 45,000 North Carolina residents and 1.5 million Americans.
“We urge communities throughout North Carolina to carry on this annual tradition to help make an impact on lupus and increase awareness about this disease that is still greatly misunderstood,” said Christine John-Fuller, President & CEO of the LFANC. “So grab your family, friends, team members and coworkers and sport some purple on May 17. Together, we are helping raise awareness about and solving the cruel mystery of lupus.”
Individuals and groups can participate in Put On Purple Day in three easy steps:
- Tell your others and ask them to join in by wearing the color purple on May 17
- Wear purple proudly and tell people why
- Take pictures of share via email (info@lupuslinks.org), Facebook (www.facebook.com/LupusNC), Twitter/Instagram (Using hashtags #PutonPurple & #PutOnPurpleNC)
For other more information on Put On Purple Day and other Lupus Awareness Month activities, click here or visit www.lupusnc.org and click on “Programs/Events.”
