ON BEHALF of Gov. Eddie Calvo, Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio proclaimed May as Lupus Awareness Month during a recent proclamation signing held at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup. The Lupus Awareness Group of Guam joined the lieutenant governor for the signing.

Joann Santos, chairperson of the lupus advocacy group, said an increasing number of Guamanians are being diagnosed with the illness, which have a vast array of symptoms that can have a severe effect on those afflicted. These symptoms can be similar to other diseases and illnesses, Santos added.

She emphasized that the disease does not discriminate and the disease affects mostly children and women of child-bearing age.

Santos said the Lupus Awareness Group of Guam was recently created “to provide support, increase awareness, and powerful advocacy for residents suffering from lupus.”

One of the challenges that individuals with lupus face on Guam is the lack of specialized healthcare assistance for those who are afflicted with the condition.

Amy, Cindy and Lorna Anderson said they have to seek treatment off-island since there is no specialist on Guam. The sisters, who were diagnosed with three different types of lupus, felt there are few resources available to those who are afflicted with the condition.

Difficult

Dealing with the disease, managing work and family, and basically living a balanced life is another challenge for the sisters.

“It’s been very difficult; very trying for my family,” Amy Anderson said. “It can affect anybody. It’s a disease where they have yet to find a cure. In the meantime, we try to manage our everyday life,” she added.

The sisters said having an organization that advocates for individuals with lupus helps in raising awareness about the condition. By getting the word out, more people are coming out and are provided with information.

Bordallo joins lupus caucus

According to a press release, Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo recently joined the Congressional Lupus Caucus and met with lupus patients from Guam to discuss ways on how to help improve the quality of life of families and individuals affected by the disease.

Bordallo said: “The Congressional Lupus Caucus helps to educate members of Congress and their staff and raise awareness about this disease.”

She added: “The Caucus also works with the public and healthcare professionals to support the advancement of research in this field. Lupus can affect any part of the body and often takes months to accurately diagnose. I continue to support efforts of Congress and our community in raising awareness of this autoimmune disease.”