January 21, 2013   How many U.S. Representatives have joined the Congressional Lupus Caucus? Scroll down to see the answer.  Alternatives for Health: Complementary and Alternative Therapies May Ease Symptoms According to Steven Overman, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of rheumatology at the University of Washington and founding partner and director of the Seattle Arthritis Clinic, more than 40 percent of people with lupus have tried or consistently use complementary and alternative treatments (CAT) for symptoms and side effects. These diverse therapies -- used either with conventional medicine or instead of conventional medicine -- include homeopathy, chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine (such as acupuncture and Tai Chi), Ayurveda, naturopathy, massage therapy, meditation, biofeedback, herbs or other supplements, and more. READ MORE A Crucial Year Ahead for Lupus Advocates on Capitol Hill Kimberly Cantor The Lupus Foundation of America has always been a great force in advocacy on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch. Our strong efforts are driven and backed by amazing lupus activists from across the country. In 2012, we led several groundbreaking efforts to move forward the battle against lupus in Congress. Kimberly Cantor, Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, writes about how we will continue to build on those efforts in 2013. READ MORE MSAC Spotlight: Hermine I. Brunner, MD, MSc, MBA Dr. Hermine Brunner The Lupus Foundation of America looks to our Medical-Scientific Advisory Council (MSAC) for guidance in our pursuits to advance lupus research, advocacy, public policy and education. The MSAC, a group of key opinion leaders in the lupus community, offers advice and recommendations to help shape the Foundation's fight against lupus. This “Spotlight” features Dr. Hermine I. Brunner. READ MORE Featured Events Petition Living with Lupus Next stops on the Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™National Tour are: January 26, 2013 Lupus: Learning and Living - Denver, CO Join us at our educational program for individuals with lupus and their families. Register Today January 26, 2013 Lupus CME - Denver, CO For health professionals, this program features leading researchers and clinicians in the field of lupus who will discuss the advances in management and treatment of lupus. Register Today February 9, 2013 Lupus: Learning and Living - Dallas, TX Join us at our educational program for individuals with lupus and their families. Register Today February 9, 2013 Lupus CME - Dallas, TX For health professionals, this program features leading researchers and clinicians in the field of lupus who will discuss the advances in management and treatment of lupus. Register Today For a full list of tour dates, please visitwww.cruelmystery.org  Find an event near you through your local Lupus Foundation of America Chapter. Click here to locate your local chapter. Sign a Petition to Congress! Lupus is one of the most mysterious and debilitating diseases known to medicine. Without sufficient funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, research studies to find the causes of lupus and the discovery of safe, tolerable, and effective lupus treatments will be delayed, and the search for a cure will be seriously impaired. TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP solve this cruel mystery. SIGN THE PETITION Investigating Infections: Lupus makes it tough to ward off disease It’s no secret that infections pose a greater risk for people living with lupus. In fact, infections are the second most common major cause of illness and death for people with the disease. It is important to make your health a priority, and take steps to protect yourself. LEARN MORE Research Update Awareness Epratuzumab Associated With Improvements in Lupus Disease Activity Additional analysis of data from a 12-week phase 2b clinical study showed that cumulative doses of 2400 milligrams of epratuzumab were associated with improvements in disease activity among patients with moderately to severely active systemic lupus. LEARN MORE Purple Bus Brings Lupus Awareness to Los Angeles Residents  The Lupus Foundation of America’s Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™ National Tour traveled to Los Angeles last weekend and attracted city residents who learned what it is like to live with lupus. Tichina Arnold, who stars in TV Land’sHappily Divorced, and Ian Harding, who stars in ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, were among the celebrities who turned out to show their support in the fight against lupus. READ MORE   Give the Gift of Hope The Lupus Foundation of America celebrated a groundbreaking year in 2012 – the first Congressional Lupus Caucus, a first-of-its-kind national lupus education tour, a new diagnosis test, and much more. With your continued support in 2013, we can look forward to another momentous year. Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™. In the 112th Congress, 58 Representatives joined the Congressional Lupus Caucus. Urge your Representatives to join the caucus and bring lupus to the forefront of our nation’s health care agenda. You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Lupus Foundation of America's newsletter. If you would like to unsubscribe or change your preferences, pleaseclick here. Lupus Foundation of America 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 410 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 800-558-0121 Fax: 202-349-1156 lupus.org