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When Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys lost his sister Caroline to lupus, he gained a renewed sense of family and began helping patients and their loved ones battle the disease. Shortly after his sister's death, Howie and his family formed the Dorough Lupus Foundation. Their goal is to educate patients and the world about lupus and to financially aid in research to help find a cure for lupus. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to turn against the body, harming healthy cells and tissues. Additionally, lupus is a rheumatic disease, which causes aches, pain and stiffness in the joints, ligaments tendons and muscles. This disease is and equal opportunity infector that does not discriminate its victims based upon race, gender or age, however it does prefer to feed on women and children. Arnold Palmer Hospital, together with the Dorough Lupus Foundation, has initiated a support group to address the social and emotional needs of children, teens and adults with lupus, as well as their families. The Dorough Lupus Foundation Support Group is the vision of Howie's mom, Paula Dorough (fondly called Mama D.). This is a wonderful opportunity for adolescent and adult lupus patients and their families to come together to learn, share stores and seek advice in a safe atmosphere, staffed by medical professionals. Each month a different speaker presents useful information pertaining to lupus, to benefit the entire group. Bilingual counselors are also available at every meeting. Counseling for the support groups are separated age appropriately to ensure a comfortable environment. Remember, you are not alone! The Dorough Lupus Foundation Support Group meets from 7pm to 9pm, every fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are hosted at Arnold Palmer Hospital. For more information call toll free at 1-866-GIV-2DLF (1-866-448-2353) or email supportgroup@doroughlupusfoundation.org. |
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