Black and Latina women are three times more likely that white women to develop Lupus, a non-contagious autoimmune disease that can damage vital body parts. However, many are left undiagnosed and untreated.

To raise awareness, the Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America will be holding a rally tomorrow in Center City's LOVE Park from 12-2 PM, including live entertainment and information distribution. Throughout Lupus Awareness Month in May, the city will light itself purple in places like the LOVE Park fountain, skyscrapers like Liberty Place and landmarks such as Boathouse Row. Friday will be the official "Put on Purple" day to raise lupus awareness. 

About lupus

Lupus is a chronic disease with mild to severe symptoms that flare from time to time, including a red rash on the face, swollen joints, fever, chest pain, fatigue, hair loss and sun sensitivity. Lupus causes the immune system to mischaracterize and fight normal body tissue, treating healthy organs and skin as viruses or bacteria. 

While lupus can be life threatening, frequent medical attention can ensure a long life. However, the causes of lupus remain unknown, presenting challenges to diagnosing and treating the disease. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that millions are living in the world with undiagnosed forms of lupus. In the U.S., 1.5 million people have lupus, but 16,000 cases are diagnosed every year. The first FDA-approved drug in half a century to treat lupus was released in 2011. 

While lupus can affect all ages, genders and ethnicities, women, usually young women, are 6 to 10 times more likely to have the disease than men. Black and Latina women are three times more likely to have the disease than white women.