The Lupus Foundation of America Receives Prestigious Advocacy Award From Research!America

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has received Research!America’s 2017 Paul G. Rogers Distinguished Organization Advocacy Award for advancing research, education, support, and advocacy programs for lupus. The Rogers Award honors a public or private organization that is a strong advocate for medical or health research at the national, state or local level.

The award was presented at the 21st Annual Advocacy Awards at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The awards dinner brought together more than 400 leaders from government, industry, academia and health advocacy organizations to recognize top medical and health research advocates, who have made an impact in advancing the nation’s commitment toward research.

“The Lupus Foundation of America provides answers, support and hope to those coping with this unpredictable and devastating disease. They work tirelessly to marshal resources in support of patients and their families. We applaud their commitment to addressing challenges in lupus research and treatment,”
Mary Woolley, President and CEO of Research!America.

Susan Manzi, M.D., M.P.H., accepted the award on behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America. Dr. Manzi is Medical Director of the Foundation and Chair of the Department of Medicine and Co-Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at West Penn Allegheny Health System.

“On behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America, I am honored to accept this award and thank Research!America for recognizing the Foundation’s efforts to elevate lupus on the nation’s healthcare agenda so it will receive the research funding it deserves.”

“For all people impacted by lupus, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific investigation and rallying stakeholders to channel resources toward research until we reach our vision of a life free of lupus,”
--Dr. Sue Manzi, Medical Director for the Foundation

Also speaking at the event was lupus advocate Allie Gutshall. Allie was diagnosed with lupus in January 2013 during her senior year of college. Lupus caused Allie to become immobile, though with medication and treatment, she was able to regain her independence and work a full-time job. She has been in remission since June 2014 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations.

Research is critical for helping people like Allie lead a normal life and minimize the effects of the disease.

The Foundation’s advocacy efforts have stimulated advances in lupus research that have provided insight into the underlying causes of lupus and its progression and created unprecedented opportunities to expand the future knowledge base for the disease.

Data generated by the Lupus Foundation of America’s early research investments have provided important pathways toward identifying people at highest risk for lupus and stopping the disease before it starts.

Identifying and securing new sources of funding to advance its mission has been one of the Foundation’s many accomplishments, which includes stimulating nearly $75 million in federal funding for lupus research, professional training and education.

For more information on the impact of lupus, in addition to resources and information for people living with lupus, please visit resources.lupus.org.