Life with Autoimmune Diseases & Chronic Illnesses

itwaslupus:

In any science, especially medically science, funding is everything.  If you’re not a hot topic enough to get attention, then you aren’t getting funded.  And without the money, there’s no research to be had.  Over the years there have been “trendy” diseases to donate to.  Those diseases, while important, overshadow the rest.  

Take Breast Cancer, for instance.  Sure, it’s an awful thing and I hate that there’s anyone who has to go through it.  But it’s the disease equivalent of a superstar.  ”pink” is everywhere, girls are constantly making overt sexual gestures on their facebook pages for “awareness”, and that pink ribbon is on every minivan in North America.  So, they’re getting the funding they need for research and support.  And I’m glad.

But then there’s the little guys. Lupus, Crohn’s, RA and other less-“popular” diseases, we get a lot less hype, and a lot less funding as a result.  But we need it just as much.

“On behalf of the 1.5 million people suffering with lupus in America, we are deeply grateful for the continued support of Congress for providing healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to be able to recognize, diagnose and treat the disease promptly and effectively,” said LRI President and CEO Margaret Dowd.

Lupus research hasn’t had the best of luck as far as funding.  Suffice to say, this is some really good news.  It’s a good way to end 2011 and move into 2012.