[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6756]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of Lupus Awareness Month. Each May, we recognize lupus as the 
cruel, mysterious autoimmune disease from which an estimated 1.5 
million Americans suffer.
  Lupus comes in many shapes and sizes and does not discriminate 
against only one part of the body. The chronic disease can affect 
nearly any part of the body including the skin, lungs, heart, joints, 
kidneys, and brain. Lupus is often misdiagnosed several times over 
several months before an accurate diagnosis can be made. This is 
because lupus is known as the ``great imitator,'' mimicking many other 
illnesses and no single test can diagnose a patient.
  Treatment for lupus can be very expensive because of its multi-
faceted nature. Annually, lupus costs our nation about $31.4 billion. 
The annual cost for treatment for an individual with lupus is an 
estimated $20,000 and for an individual with lupus nephritis, kidney 
inflammation caused by lupus, could be as high as $62,000 per year.
  Lupus is far more common in women and in men, particularly among 
African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. 
The cause for lupus' prevalence in minorities is unknown and extensive 
research is necessary. Without additional research dollars, scientists 
searching for causes and treatments will inevitably be delayed.
  This May, we must promote lupus awareness. Nearly three-fourths of 
Americans aged 18 to 34 have never heard of lupus and those who fall in 
that age bracket are at the highest risk. We must build awareness for 
this chronic condition and simultaneously work to increase funding for 
research to improve the diagnosis of this disease that 
disproportionally affects minorities and women in the prime of their 
lives. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lupus Awareness 
Month.