Lupus: A condition silently affecting women in the Black community

Father **** is living out of the country right now. He is one of our more senior members who has done extensive work when he was living in the states educating black women at major HBCUs about the dangers associated with Lupus (Howard, Bowie State, etc...). He has done much in the community to build our awareness and when most folks are giving public service a back seat to retirement, Father **** is still reaching out to give more. At more than 80 years old, he has seen alot, done alot and shared alot. If you have any questions on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus post them right here. I knew a lady with Lupus, and all I could remember is that she said she had good days and bad days. That was years ago. She talked about it being excruciatingly painful on the bad days. You have the audience of a subject matter expert in Father ****. The best to you, Joyce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a hard name to pronounce, diagnose, understand, treat, and cope with. http://www.blackwomenshealth.org/site/News2?id=6688 Many years ago I came to Birmingham to help Ms. Green set up their Lupus Foundation. I was a close friend to ex-Mayor Ford in Tuskegee. Is he still a State Representative? I also helped the Black Mayor of Pritchard, Al. I accept your suggestion to do the leg work. Will you go to User CP and set up a new thread about lupus. Respectfully, Father ****

Hello Joyce, I thank you for setting this forum up for me. I have been in the interior of Bahia in a small rural town. I am planning to return to Southern Florida in a week or two. There is a growing feeling that Americans need to take care of Americans. With the war and the aftermath of Katrina still being talked about, the poverty, hunger, disease and poor educational opportunities in this country are becoming a concern……billions for overseas and little for here at home. Even Oprah’s wonderful school opening is being criticized! The critics are saying, “Why did she build it in Africa when there is such a need here in the black community?” Sooo HBCU Ladies, I will be back to the USA and expecting ``ya Girl talk`` to help me get the lupus message out. your buddy, father **** Cass in jersey

Father ****, Good to hear from you! I'm in school in New York this week, but I got an idea today from one of the presenters to do a little research on other on-line outlets about the topic, connect and invite to our discussion. Please continue to provide us with info, and insight because we can read the chain of information and understand, even if there is not a particular question. I like how you broke it down enough so that I can digest it in a 10-min break today. Thanks for your participation! You are appreciated...

Video shows how the beautiful Mercedes, America's Next Top Model runner up was affected by Lupus and why its a relevant topic . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzFsg22uYLI

Down here in Brazil, we are making an effort to produce some lupus patient education materials and lupus awareness programs. We could use some ideas and help from some of those beautiful Portuguese women in Providence, RI. Men also get lupus <