The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the largest national non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus , often abbreviated to SLE or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage...

and providing support, services and hope to all people affected by lupus.

The LFA was established in 1977 with the combination of several local lupus organizations. Since then, the LFA has evolved into the largest non-profit lupus organization with nearly 300 chapters and support groups nationwide. The LFA supports lupus research, education, advocacy and support services on the federal, state and local levels.

The Lupus Foundation of America focuses on five programs to achieve its objectives:
1. Through its national research program, Bringing Down the Barriers, the LFA is available to direct its financial aid to researchers
2. Rallies for support and advocacy in the public and private sector for Lupus
3. Help make new information about Lupus understandable and available to those suffering with the disease
4. Increase public awareness
5. Support individuals with the disease, their families and caregivers

With nearly 300 integrated chapters and support groups in 32 different states in the United States, the Lupus Foundation of America works on the national, state, and local level. The organization also works with nearly 100 international lupus organizations.

Key Accomplishments

Some of the key accomplishments of the organization are:

• Gathered a panel of 70 lupus experts to address urgent need for the development and approval of new, safe, effective, and tolerable medications for lupus sufferers.
• Held the 2nd International Conference on Lupus Flares with over 80 physicians from around the world.
• Through donations, the LFA has provided nearly $20 million in research grants to 400 lupus investigators at almost 100 medical and academic institutions
• Began the Michael Jon Barlin Research Program, the only pediatric lupus research program of its kind.
• Created the LFA Center for Clinical Trials Education which is a resource for people with lupus that are considering participation in a clinical research study
• Advocated to get $12 million in additional federal funding from the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Worked with more than 80,000 lupus advocates at the grassroots level.
• Established partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health to work on a three-year, $3 million nationwide lupus awareness campaign
• Created Lupus Now the only national magazine for individuals with lupus and their families and health professionals

The Butterfly Gala

The Butterfly Gala is an annual event held by the Lupus Foundation of America as a celebration by honoring those who act as champions for people living with lupus and their loved ones. This event also raises the profile of lupus and substantial funding. The Butterfly Gala is held bi-annually in New York and Washington D.C.