An estimated 1.4 to 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s healthy tissues and organs, but many more are at risk and know very little about it. It is often difficult to diagnose, which leads to delayed treatment. There is no known cause or cure for lupus, yet it can be managed with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

The nonprofit Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania is dedicated to promoting awareness, research and education for the 66,000 lupus patients in the state. In 2014, they introduced the Lehigh Valley Lupus Connection, a peer supportgroup program offering education and wellness programs to lupus patients and their families. This group meets on the fourth Saturday of the month at the Good Shepherd Health & Technology Center, in Allentown.

Location: 850 S. Fifth St. To register for Feb. 21, Mar. 21 and Apr. 25 meetings, call Lisa Ross at 610-533-9586 or email [email protected]. For more information, call the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania at 800-800-5776 or visit lupuspa.org