[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25460]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING LUPUS INTERNATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 24, 2004

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call this Congress' attention 
to a devastating disease that affects millions of Americans. Systematic 
Lupus Erythematosus, commonly known as lupus, is a chronic, complex, 
and often life-threatening autoimmune disease. It causes the immune 
system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own tissue, damaging 
vital organs which can lead to severe disability or death.
  Research shows that 1.5 million people are afflicted with lupus in 
the United States--more than those affected by AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, 
Multiple Sclerosis, Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis combined. In 
Southern California alone, more than 100,000 people suffer from this 
disease. Although lupus can affect people of all ages, it strikes 
primarily women between the ages of 16-45, and is currently the fourth 
leading cause of disability in females.
  To date, there is no known cure for lupus, and there are still very 
few treatments specific to the disease. However, with increased public 
awareness, education, and innovative research, we are hopeful that this 
battle can and will be won. Lupus International, a nonprofit 
organization in Irvine, California, has been a champion in the field of 
lupus research since it was founded in 1983. For over two decades, 
Lupus International has worked to alleviate suffering for millions of 
patients through support services, awareness promotion, and early 
detection of undiagnosed cases.
  On October 17, 2004, Lupus International held its fifth annual 
``Lupus Race for Life,'' to raise money for lupus research. I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in honoring this outstanding organization 
for its 20 year commitment to finding a cure for lupus, and its 
tremendous service to the millions of Americans suffering from this 
devastating disease.

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