WELCOME TO THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF KENTUCKIANA

Lupus, a serious and chronic autoimmune disease, is hard to diagnose, difficult to manage, incurable, and at times life threatening. Current statistics indicate that lupus affects adult women approximately 10 times more frequently than men. Even though lupus is more prevalent in this country than AIDS, sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined, it is the least known of all major diseases.

LFK's goal with this website is to increase lupus awareness, and to improve the quality of life of those affected by lupus through education, community outreach services, and support of research leading to better treatment and an eventual cure.

The Lupus Foundation of Kentuckiana is committed to serving lupus patients and their families through support of education, public awareness, and research initiatives. It is through the generous gifts of caring individuals, community organizations, and corporations that we are able to continue working toward life without lupus.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.

For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. It is estimated that 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.