Mayor Hodges Proclaims May as Lupus Awareness Month in Minneapolis

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - April 29, 2015 - PRLog -- Mayor Betsy Hodges has proclaimed May as Lupus Awareness Month in Minneapolis. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells, currently affects nearly two million Americans, yet remains one of the least recognized major diseases. Lupus symptoms include extreme fatigue, muscle aches, joint swelling, persistent low grade fever, butterfly rash across the bridge of nose and cheeks, hair loss, sensitivity to the sun, chest pain, mouth or nose ulcers, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, or seizures. The intensity of the disease varies from mild to life-threatening.

In conjunction with Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota (LFM) is hosting or participating in a series of programs and events designed to educate the public, raise funds for research, and support those living with the disease. Events include:

• Lupus ‘Spiel USA – May 1-3: Hosted by the Four Seasons Curling Club, this second-annual curling tournament features pros and amateurs "curling for a cause."

• 2015 Lupus Food and Wine Classic – May 4: The fifth annual Lupus Food and Wine Classic features some of the Twin Cities’ best culinary delights, each paired with a wine sampling. Includes a food- and wine-themed silent auction, wine wall, and live entertainment.

• Clothing Donation Drive – May 6: Clean your closets and donate new or gently used clothing to LFM at the Rasmussen College campus in Bloomington between 3:30-5:30 p.m.

• Cory Cove’s Annual Sludgeathon – May 8-9: From noon to noon, Cory “Sludge” Cove of the KFAN’s (100.3 FM) Power Trip Morning Show takes to the airwaves for his eighth annual 24-hour on-air marathon to raise funds and lupus awareness.

• Bike for Butterflies – May 9: 2013 Lupus Ambassador Chris Cronick hosts a fundraising spinning event.

• Ways to Boost Your Energy Level – May 11: For those living with lupus, learn ways to increase energy, vitality, and mobility by improving postural alignment for increased lung capacity and joint freedom in daily activities.

• Yoga Fundamentals – May 12: This class focuses on breathing and relation techniques for those with lupus.

• Lupus Research Updates Webinar with Dr. Emily Gillespie – May 14: 2015 LFM research grant recipient Dr. Emily Gillespie will present her findings on the relationship between lupus and women, particularly African-American women.

• 2015 MSP Comicon – May 16-17: LFM is a proud charity partner of the Midwest Comic Book Association (MCBA) and their annual event, which takes place at the State Fairgrounds.

• Reduce Pain and Inflammation through Acupuncture – May 20: Reduce the pain and inflammation you may experience living with lupus at this free session.

• Fatigue Management Program – beginning May 27: A six-week, online program for those with lupus to learn how to lessen the impact.

For more information about these and other events, visit the LFM website at LupusMN.org or call 952-746-5151/800-645-1131.

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The Lupus Foundation of Minnesota (LFM) is a nonprofit organization that funds lupus research, promotes community awareness, and provides education, support, and services to those affected by lupus.