HISTORY

The Connecticut Lupus Foundation was established in May of 1973. In 1973 there were only a few individual chapters around the country, but the Lupus Foundation of America had not been established as a national organization.

Years later the lupus organizations in various states, including the Connecticut Chapter, formed the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. and we became the Lupus Foundation of America, Connecticut Chapter, Inc.

We are a non-profit, non-sectarian organization and a National Health Agency for the combined Federal Campaign. We are a member of the Community Health Charities. Except for two staff members, the chapter is operated by dedicated volunteers; many are coping with lupus themselves. We hold four general meetings per year which cover a wide variety of lupus related topics to benefit the lupus patient, family and friends.

A social/refreshment hour is provided at these meetings to encourage attendees to mingle and get better acquainted with other members and staff. Our funds come from membership dues, fundraising activities, private and public company donations.

Our mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes and the cure.

As a member of the chapter, you will receive updated information about lupus, programs and activities through a quarterly newsletter.  You will also be a member of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. and receive the quarterly “Lupus Now” magazine.  The Connecticut Chapter has a lending library providing books and free brochures, video cassettes, newsletters, old and new. We also participate in local and statewide health fairs.  We hand out free literature at each meeting and we offer support groups in different areas throughout the state.  The chapter office hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday-Friday.  Telephone messages are recorded in the evenings and responded to the next day.  Our web site is updated regularly to keep you well informed.

Membership is opened to all. It is not necessary to have lupus to be a member.

Our common goal is to find a cause and a cure for lupus.  We welcome and thank you for your support.

Marilyn Sousa, Founder
Pauline Brignano, Chair
Melissa Williamson, First Vice Chair
Treasurer, TBA
Lisa Voglesong, Immediate Past Chair
Patricia McKernan, Recording Secretary
Mary Mannillo
Robert Musicant, Esq.
David Sayers
Bess Steingiser, Board Member Emeritus

R. Michael Winters, President & CEO
Ceil Scheidel, Administrative Assistant

Joseph Craft, MD, Co-Chair
Ann Parke, MD, Co-Chair

Marilyn Sousa,Chapter Chair Liaison

Micha Abeles, MD
Janine Evans, MD
Richard Formica, MD
Alfred Herzog, MD
Gordon Hutchinson, MD
Lisa Kugelman, MD
Santhanam Lakshminarayanan, MD
Courtland Lewis, MD
Steven Padula, MD
Naomi Rothfield, MD
Peter Schulman, MD
Lawrence Zemel, MD