Support Lupus Research!

Today I heard about a "Mall Walk" to raise money for the Lupus Alliance of America. Lupus is a cause that's close to our hearts here in the Cool Family. We've decided to participate and we need your help! Here's part of the reason we care so much:

My father-in-law has Lupus, and has recently been having some issues with it due to some unavoidable stress. Lee Cool is the kind of guy who helps everyone -- selflessly. He takes no credit for all the generous, kind things he does. In fact, he probably won't like that I'm even writing about this. He spends his days caring for his elderly mother, and helping a large number of senior citizens throughout the town by taking them to appointments, picking them up for church, running errands, maintaining their yards, and all the odds and ends that get difficult as we age. We may call him "grumpa" for good reason, but in truth he's pretty wonderful.


Here are some facts about Lupus, as per the Lupus Alliance of America:

• Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood or kidneys.
• Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. Some symptoms are transient joint and muscle pain, fatigue, a rash caused by or made worse by sunlight, low grade fevers, hair loss, pleurisy, appetite loss, sores in the nose or mouth and painful sensitivity of the fingers to cold.
• Market research data shows that between 1.4 and 2 million people have been diagnosed with Lupus.
• 90% of those affected by Lupus are women in their child bearing years. It is more prevalent in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians.
  
• Although Lupus ranges from mild to life threatening and many Americans still die from lupus complications, the majority of cases can be controlled with proper treatment.

So, if you're interested, please support Brian and I as we walk for Lupus and consider sponsoring us in any amount you feel comfortable with by clicking the Walk For Lupus box on the side bar of my blog, or by clicking here.

The walk is on Sunday, March 14th at Carousel Mall. It's a family event with face painting, refreshments, entertainment and music, so if you'd like to come show support, we'd love to see you! Thank you in advance for your support!