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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2009
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Orie Measure Marks April 1st as Lupus Alert Day

The Pennsylvania Senate today designated April 1st as "Lupus Alert Day," according to Senator Jane Orie (R-40), the prime sponsor of Senate Resolution 70.

Sen. Orie said that the resolution is designed to alert citizens of a disease which goes hidden from many individuals and their families.  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs.  Symptoms of Lupus often mimic less-serious illnesses, fooling carriers and their families, and therefore those who have the disease go untreated.

"April 1, better known as "April Fool's Day," is a day to bring awareness to this disease because Lupus affects so many, but individuals are fooled by its severity," said Sen. Orie.  "While many of us have heard of this autoimmune disease, few of us know that Lupus strikes more people than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined."

"Lupus affects 1 out of 185 Americans, most of whom are women between the ages of 15 and 45; however, the disease reaches men and children as well," said Orie.   "Our goal is to educate people about its symptoms and dangers so that they can seek treatment if necessary."

Contact:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538