In an historic move by several congress members, the first ever governmental Lupus Caucus was announced today in the House of Representatives. The group’s goal is to raise awareness about the disease and help push for a cure. A bi-partisan committee was formed by two Democrats and two Republicans, Tom Rooney (R-FL), William Keating (D-MA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Jim Moran (D-VA). This caucus not only serves to assist the needs of millions of Americans affected by the disease, but it is also an important example of collaboration across party lines, in an increasingly partisan government.
Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an auto-immune disorder that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds; and though it can be genetic, little is still known about the causes. There is still much that needs to be understood about Lupus, so that medical researchers and doctors can develop better medicines and treatments for the wide range of symptoms. Hopefully this newly formed Caucus can help to drive such results. Of course, the ultimate goal is finding a cure.
The disease disproportionately affects women, especially women of color. In fact, African American and Asian women are more likely than any other groups to suffer from Lupus. When a person has lupus, their immune system is over-active, and symptoms can range from aches and pains to rashes and hair loss to extreme fatigue, and malfunctioning organs. Unfortunately, many of the medications that are currently on the market to combat these symptoms lead to very serious side effects.
Ironically, the February 7th formation of this congressional caucus comes on the birthday of J-Dilla, an American hip-hop artist who suffered from Lupus, and died from complications of the disease in 2006. In honor of his life and legacy, Americans must support further research on this and other debilitating diseases, in efforts to end the suffering of those affected by these conditions. The formation of the congressional caucus is a great start, but the efforts must extend into the medical practices and research labs across the country, with the support of policymakers and politicians.
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