The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), Indiana Chapter, will host a support group meeting at St. Mary Medical Center on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room 3A. Our guest speaker, Adam B. Cochrane, Pharm.D., BCPS, Organ Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at The University of Chicago Medical Center will provide "A Comprehensive Overview of how a Medication Receives FDA Approval". This presentation will include a brief overview of where the 'new' lupus drug Benlysta is within clinical trials and the FDA approval process. While this session is designed for lupus patients and their family, anyone interested in learning more about the FDA medication approval process is welcome to attend!
Light refreshments will be provided.
Regular meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at St. Mary Medical Center in Conference Room 3-A (West tower – first floor). The hospital is located at1500 S. Lake Park Avenue in Hobart.
The LFA, Indiana Chapter has formed this group for those living with lupus, as well as, their family members and caregivers. It is estimated that there are more than 3,000 people living with lupus in Lake and Porter Counties. The group allows its members an opportunity for a healthy exchange of feelings, opinions and thoughts while coping with this very complicated illness. Meeting programs vary from guest speakers to video presentations and open group discussions.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can be destructive to any major organ or tissue in the body. The disease can be very unpredictable and is potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists. Approximately 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. Lupus strikes mostly females ages 15-44, although females and males of all ages can develop lupus, and African American women are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
About the Lupus Foundation of America: The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation’s leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters and support groups, like the Indiana Chapter, conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy. The Indiana Chapter of the LFA serves more than 2,600 individuals and their families affected by lupus who live in 14 counties in the Northwest Indiana region. For more information on the Indiana Chapter support groups, lupus, or the LFA, visit www.lupusindiana.org or call 800.948.8806.