[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, Monday, May 10, marks the first observance of 
World Lupus Day. Coordinated by the Lupus Foundation of America, this 
event will focus on accurate lupus diagnosis, improved patient 
healthcare services, and increased research into the treatment and cure 
of lupus. I am pleased the Arkansas chapter of the Lupus Foundation of 
America will host World Lupus Day activities. The chapter has scheduled 
a public open house on May 10 in its main office located in Hot Springs 
that will feature a live radio broadcast on KLAZ-105.3, videos of lupus 
patients sharing their experiences, and dissemination of educational 
materials.
  Started in October 1993, in the guestroom of the founder's home, the 
Arkansas chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America has grown to 200 
members and serves the entire State of Arkansas. Mrs. Jamesetta Smith 
saw the importance of starting the chapter when she and her husband 
moved to Arkansas in 1992. As a lupus patient herself, Jamesetta knows 
about the importance of education and support for those directly and 
indirectly impacted by the devastating disease. Lupus patients need 
someone to talk to who understands and knows firsthand about the 
physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead. To help these 
individuals, the chapter's Hot Springs and Ft. Smith offices host 
monthly support groups, free of charge. To support the Arkansas 
chapter's many efforts and awareness activities, patients, family 
members, and supporters come together regularly to raise funding.
  It is estimated that nationally 1 out of every 185 persons has lupus. 
According to the Lupus Foundation, about 1.5 million Americans have a 
form of the chronic, incurable disease that can result in severe joint 
pain and swelling, fevers, fatigue, and other health effects, including 
organ failure and death. Needless to say, lupus is a widespread disease 
that touches the lives of millions of Americans. I am glad Mrs. 
Jamesetta Smith, Founder of the Arkansas Chapter of the Lupus 
Foundation of America, took on the challenge of developing and 
implementing a chapter and based it in my Congressional District. She 
and the chapter's volunteers are to be commended for their hard work in 
informing Arkansans about the symptoms and health effects of lupus and 
providing important facts to help the public better understand the 
impact of the disease.

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