[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 171 (Wednesday, December 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARGUERETE LUTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 4, 2013

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marguerete Luter for 
her outstanding work with the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater 
Washington Chapter, for improving the lives of lupus patients and their 
families and friends.
  Lupus is a life-altering disease and more widespread than most people 
realize. One out of every 200 Americans is affected, 90 percent of 
which are women. African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native 
Americans are all two to three times more likely to develop lupus, a 
disparity that remains unexplained. Lupus patients spend two to three 
times more on medical care than those without the disease. That 
multiplier skyrockets to over six times if lupus affects the kidneys.
  Lupus can damage any organ, including the skin, the lungs, the heart, 
the kidney and the brain. No organ is spared. The disease can cause 
seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages, and organ failure.
  Lupus can be particularly difficult to diagnose because its symptoms 
are similar to those of many other illnesses, and major gaps exist in 
understanding the causes and consequences of the disease. More than 
half of all people with lupus experience symptoms four or more years 
and visit three or more doctors before obtaining a correct diagnosis. A 
lack of awareness of the disease contributes to many people dismissing 
early warning signs of lupus, which can have serious health risks and 
greatly impact a person's quality of life.
  The Lupus Foundation of America, greater Washington chapter, was 
formed in 1974 to help those affected by lupus. The foundation is 
committed to improving the quality of life for lupus patients through 
education, community outreach, and research. It is through the 
financial support of members and the dedication of its volunteers that 
the Lupus Foundation is able to work with the thousands of lupus 
patients, their families and friends, and the medical community to work 
towards its eradication.
  One of those dedicated volunteers is Marguerete Luter of Arlington 
County, who has been honored as the 2013 Pamela B. Greenberg Volunteer 
of the Year. Ms. Luter currently serves on the Board and is Immediate 
Past Board Chair. Over her more than six years on the LFA-DMV Board of 
Directors, Ms. Luter worked tirelessly to ensure the growth and 
sustainability of the organization. Her passion to help members of the 
lupus community is evident through her commitment and participation at 
chapter events, including the Lupus educational summits and Walk to End 
Lupus Now events.
  Ms. Luter has been an instrumental asset to the planning of the 
Chapter's Annual Gala and Luncheon and I rise today to recognize all 
her hard work and dedication to such an important cause.

                          ____________________