Kingston, Jamaica, May 20, 2021 – For Immediate Release
Thousands of Jamaicans continue to suffer the debilitating effects of Lupus, known medically as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a lifelong disorder of the immune system. The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) continues to support the fight against Lupus through its education programmes, advocacy and support to persons living with the disease.
Monday May 10, 2021 marked the annual observation of World Lupus Day and the kick-off of the 37-year-old Charity’s month-long drive to raise funds to support the fight against Lupus. The Foundation is inviting the support of the media, corporate Jamaica and the public at large to “Be Grand and Give a Gran’” in support of their mission.
The autoimmune disease, which occurs at higher rates in Afro-Caribbean populations, is estimated to affect some 6000 Jamaicans. The goal of raising Four Million Dollars will guarantee more services for members, discovery and support of new patients, and support a variety of programmes essential to improve outcomes for persons with the disease. Each year the LFJ's public awareness campaigns for World Lupus Day (May 10) and Lupus Awareness Month (October) reach thousands of patients and members of the public via media interviews, virtual events, information sessions, social media platforms, displays at hospitals, clinics and parish libraries, as well as a “Put On Purple” initiative with distribution of purple ribbons and branded merchandise through the Organisation’s Lupus Learning Centre in New Kingston or via their online store geared at raising awareness and breaking down stigma concerning the illness.
A member-based organisation, the LFJ's approximately 300 Members benefit from free psychological counselling, a member medical assistance fund, pharmacy discounts, a monthly e-newsletter, monthly support group meetings, WhatsApp support groups, hospital visits/support calls and access to guidance and information from health professionals. The LFJ also plays a leading role in Medical Professional Education on the subject through its Annual Lupus Symposium which brings international and local experts to present the cutting edge in Lupus care as well as address practical topics to improve the outcomes and quality of life of patients. The organization also continues to facilitate the donation of medical equipment to improve detection and treatment of lupus locally.
The funding of the Foundation's annual budget of 9 million dollars is greatly dependent on volunteer labour and donations in cash or kind from small as well as corporate donors to subsidise membership dues and fund essential programmes, as well as sponsorships of events and programmes.
The Foundation is therefore calling for volunteers and donations, as it seeks to mobilize response across the island, especially at a time when it faces both increased demand for services and funding challenges during the COVID19 pandemic.
Lupus, known medically as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, is a disorder of the immune system. It causes the immune system to become over-reactive and produce antibodies that damage normal healthy cells and can be life-threatening. While Lupus patients have an over-reactive immune system, in most cases, they are not able to effectively cope with common infections. This makes Lupus patients among the high-risk groups for contraction of Covid-19.
Donations to the registered charity are tax-deductible and can be made conveniently online on the LFJ website www.lupusfoundationjamaica.org/donations or to their account with banking details as follows:
Lupus Foundation of Jamaica
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK
Branch Name: Knutsford
Branch Address: 1 Knutsford Blvd, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Branch #: 33077
Bank Account #: 332062956
Currency: JMD
Account Type: chequing /Current.
ABOUT LFJ
The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica is a member-based, volunteer-run, charitable organization in operation since 1984. It aspires to improve the lives and outcomes of persons affected by lupus through a better awareness and deeper understanding of the disease. Among its major activities are patient support and counselling, advocacy for access to care and promotion of research in the field.
To learn more about Lupus and LFJ programs and services, please visit the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica’s website: www.lupusfoundationjamaica.org , or their social media pages: https://www.instagram.com/lupusfoundationja/, https://www.facebook.com/Lupusfoundationjamaica/.
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For more information about this topic, you may contact Desiree Tulloch-Reid at 1-876-574-4954 or rheumjamaica@ymail.com
