May is Lupus Awareness Month - new book

NEW YORK - May 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Formally educated in Chemistry and Fine Art, Marisa was about to graduate with her RN degree when she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. Confined to a bed, she rekindled her love for writing and embarked on a new and fulfilling career. She is currently working on her second Lupus related book and serves as a board member for the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter.

Lupus: Real Life, Real Patients, Real Talk is the first book of its kind in relation to the disease. Journalist, Lupus patient and Lupus Foundation of America Board Member, Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana, set out to find men and women across the nation who share the hurdles of daily life when battling a debilitating and cruel disease. What she discovered was a community not broken and hopeless, but one that is optimistic and refuses to give in. These patients have encountered many obstacles – kidney transplants, open-heart surgeries, coma, and dialysis - yet they continue to persevere. They share their darkest moments and their future dreams. In addition to telling their stories, they discuss tips on how to manage and deal with the disease - emotionally, spiritually and physically. This book provides tangible information and inspiration for every Lupus patient and their loved ones. It is also an essential tool for those who are newly diagnosed and trying to navigate the choppy waters of chronic illness and daily life.

Featuring Amy Kelly-Yalden, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Chapter, and Magdalena Cadet, MD, FACR, Director of Rheumatology at New York Presbyterian Healthcare System, this book is not to be missed.

Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana is an author, freelance writer and speaker, currently residing in New York and Florida. Marisa has had over 300 articles published covering a wide variety of topics including health, business, religion, women’s issues, and current events. She has been featured and interviewed on the topic of Lupus in Glamour, Eating Well, WebMD, MSNBC, South Florida Today, The Good News, The Chicago Tribune and Yahoo. Her most recent journalism related work was landing the cover of national magazine, Christianity Today – TCW, March/April 2013 issue with her article entitled, “Reaching a Community.”

Learn more at www.LupusChick.com. Review copies and interviews upon request.