Arletha Manlove, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, KC Chapter

September 7, 2008

Arletha Manlove, is an African American woman who is the President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of American in Kansas City, Missouri.

History about the Kansas City Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America, Kansas City Chapter, Inc. (LFA, KC) was founded in 1979 and joined in the national organization (incorporated in 1977) immediately. The chapter stated with dedicated people and a goal of helping those in the community with lupus know they are not alone. The LFA, KC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for lupus patients and their loved ones by providing education, support and outreach services, and promoting programs of awareness, advocacy, and research. We understand the isolation and fear lupus patients often feel when they are first diagnosed. We also recognize the impact the disease can have on other family members. Our education and support programs are designed to empower patients to actively participate in their own health care to hopefully improve disease outcome and enhance their quality of life.

The Kansas City Chapter distributes 6 newsletters, the award winning Lupus Now magazines (3 per year), hosts awareness seminars, educational lupus learning`s, support groups, volunteer trainings, The Walk for Lupus Now fundraising event and educational materials to support and educate those affected by lupus.

We are also committed to increasing community awareness and program revenues by focusing public attention on lupus. We realize that early diagnosis and treatment are vital components in reducing the physical and economic impact of the disease. The LFA – Kansas City Chapter strongly support increased research funding that will enable scientists to identify the cause, develop faster diagnostic measures, safer, more effective treatments, and ultimately, discover the cure to eradicate this devastating disease.