Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined fellow Congressional Lupus Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to recognize Put on Purple day for lupus awareness.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. The chronic disease can affect nearly any part of the body including the skin, lungs, heart, joints, kidneys, and brain. On average, it takes six years for a lupus diagnosis from the first onset of symptoms. This is because lupus is known as the “great imitator,” mimicking many other illnesses and no single test can diagnose a patient.
“We must do more to ensure that Americans understand lupus, its severity and its symptoms,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Research shows that nearly two-thirds of the public knows little or nothing about lupus beyond the name. Despite the widespread prevalence of lupus, medical research has remained underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.”
The Congressional Lupus Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Tom Rooney (R-FL), William R. Keating (D-MA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). The caucus seeks to build awareness for this chronic condition and simultaneously work to increase funding for research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus.
