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For the LSA, the grace, flexibility, and complexity of the willow tree have come to represent the qualities people develop as they meet the challenges posed by lupus. Just thinking about the beauty and endurance of the willow - bending but not breaking in the face of strong winds - can be an empowering image for those whose lives are affected by lupus.

The faces of lupus .... Lupus is called 'the disease with a thousand faces' because the symptoms and course of the disease differ so much from person to person. Lupus affects people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds. Any face could be the face of lupus. Click here to take part in a 'Faces of Lupus' book project.

Imagine Canada is a group that supports charities and nonprofits so they can, in turn, support the Canadians and communities they serve. Imagine Canada's Ethical Code Program sets standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. This is important because, as a donor, you are entitled to transparency and the greatest impact possible for your donation.

LUPUS BASICS

Lupus in a nutshell:

• Lupus is an 'autoimmune disease'.
• Autoimmune means that your body's immune system makes mistakes and attacks the tissues of your own body.

Flash Animation of Immune Cell Functions

• This immune system attack causes inflammation.
• Signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling and pain.
• In lupus, it is the connective tissues that become inflamed.
• There are connective tissues in virtally all of the organs and tissues of your body.
• No two people with lupus are alike - certain connective tissues (such as those in the kidney) are affected in some people and not in others.
• Lupus can affect men, women, and children of all ages.
• Eight out of nine lupus sufferers are women.
• Lupus can be difficult to diagnose - often taking months or years to establish the diagnosis with certainty.
• The exact cause of lupus is unknown.
• Currently, there is no known cure for lupus.
• Better methods for diagnosis and management have dramatically improved the outlook for this disease.

Good basic lupus information:

The Merck Manual has been a trusted source of health information for health professionals for decades. The Home Edition is specifically designed for members of the general public.

• Merck Manual - Home Edition - includes: what lupus is, the types, cause(s), triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and outlook

More detailed lupus information:

The following online booklets and handouts are from the Lupus Foundation of America.

NOTE: we include the paper version of these booklets and handouts in our Information Packages.

Understanding Lupus - includes: What is lupus? What causes lupus? Forms of lupus What are the symptoms of lupus? What kind of doctors treat lupus? What are the risks for developing lupus? Prognosis and a hopeful future The history of lupus erythematosis	Diagnosing Lupus - includes: How is lupus diagnosed? Common symptoms of lupus Laboratory tests for lupus How to prepare for a doctor's appointment Could You Have Lupus? - An Interactive Checklist
Treating Lupus - includes: Treatments for lupus Medications to treat lupus symptoms Investigational treatments for lupus The best approach to taking medications Complementary and Alternative Medicines and therapies	How Lupus Affects the Body - includes: The eyes The gastrointestinal system The musculoskeletal system The nervous system The skin Oral disease The cardiopulmonary system Antiphospholipid antibodies Sjogren's Syndrome and lupus Osteoporosis The renal (kidney) system Vasculitis Blood disorders Lupus and overlap disease
Living With Lupus - includes: Exercise, fatigue and photosensitivity Infections and immunizations Flu and pneumonia vaccines Pain Depression Memory loss and 'Lupus Fog" Diet and nutrition Allergies Smoking	Coping With Lupus - includes: How may lupus affect my life? Explaining lupus to others Lupus in the family Pregnancy and lupus Lupus among friends Lupus on the job Rehabilitation professionals Travelling Lupus and you Men and Lupus For Parents of Children Living With Lupus

Other reliable links for lupus information:

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - USA
• MyHealth.Alberta - Lupus
• Edmonton Rheumatology (University of Alberta) - Canada
• Lupus Canada
• The Arthritis Society - Canada

SUMMARY and VIDEOS from the 9th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

In June 2010, the 9th International Congress on SLE was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hundreds of world leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with lupus learned about the current state of the science in lupus and future opportunities in lupus research, education and care.

You will find the highlights of the Congress summarized by Chris Seger in this document. (To view this document you will need Adobe® Reader installed on your computer).

The following video called 'Patient Stories' is an example of the quality of the videos available from the Congress.

We have provided a link to The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada so that you can watch the other videos from the 2010 Congress.

Note: if you are using Firefox as your web browser, you may need to download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player to view videos.

	To provide education and support on lupus and lupus related issues and enable research to find effective treatment and cures.
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