Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles

Lupus Research Alliance Welcomes New Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce that seasoned professional Penny Mitchell has joined the organization as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. In her new role, Ms. Mitchell will oversee the organization's strategic communications approach to leading lupus research worldwide and the value of participation by all sectors of the lupus community.

Ms. Mitchell comes to the LRA with more than three decades of experience in the healthcare communications field where she has worked at leading agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard, Porter/Novelli and dna/Weber Shandwick. Most recently she served as Executive Vice President, Health Practice Lead for Makovsky, an independent PR firm specializing in regulated industries including healthcare. Prior to that she was U.S. Health Practice Lead for Hill & Knowlton Strategies. She began her career at the Will Rogers Institute, a non-profit pulmonary research organization.

Throughout her career she has driven communications efforts for a range of healthcare clients including non-profit, academic research, pharmaceutical, medtech and consumer health companies. Her experience has involved integrated brand planning, corporate reputation management, issues/crisis management, media strategy, data communications, public/private partnerships and advocacy relations.

Her experience in autoimmune diseases is particularly strong having launched several highly effective communications campaigns for pharmaceutical companies working in lupus as well as psoriasis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and thyroid disorders.

"We are tremendously excited about adding Penny to our team," commented LRA Executive Director Andrea O'Neill. "In addition to her breadth of knowledge, Penny brings enormous creativity, strategic thinking and scientific acumen as well as dedication to empowering people with challenging medical issues."

"The Lupus Research Alliance has long been at the center of the lupus community committed to funding research, forging collaboration and finding a cure for this complex, highly-individualized autoimmune disease," said Ms. Mitchell. "I am delighted to join forces with this extraordinary group to bring greater attention to its groundbreaking research efforts, the needs of the community and ultimately, improving the lives of people with lupus."

About Lupus:

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women; lupus most often strikes during the childbearing years of 15-45. African Americans, Latinx, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About the Lupus Research Alliance:

The Lupus Research Alliance aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. The organization's stringent peer review grant process fosters diverse scientific talent who are driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100 percent of all donations go to support lupus research programs. Learn more at: https://www.lupusresearch.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1116s2p-LRA-Penny-Mitchell-300dpi.jpg

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, New York – There’s Strength in Our Strides!

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Join New York's lupus community and the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) Saturday, October 12 to Walk with Us to Cure Lupus at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan.

Walk with Us to Cure Lupus is the LRA's signature national program that unites communities across the country to achieve one goal - to raise the much-needed funds to improve care and find the cure.

In lupus, the immune system, which should protect against infection, instead creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body. More than 90% of the millions of people worldwide who live with lupus are women. African Americans, Latinx, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians.

This day is set for a true celebration. Before and after the Walk, participants can take part in Tie Dying tee shirts, face painting, Team photos, and signing the annual Hope Begins Here banner displayed in the LRA national office in NYC. Free breakfast, snacks and a 25% discount at Coldstone Creamery add to the fun for all ages.

The Walk route is about 3.1 miles around the Intrepid on Pier 86 at West 46th Street. Walkers are encouraged to go at their own pace and cover their own distance; it is not necessary to complete the route. For more information about the NYC Walk, contact Elizabeth Vega-Eng at lupuswalknyc@lupusresearch.org or 646.884.6043.

"Thousands are walking across the United States to raise awareness and funds for lupus research," comments Kenneth M. Farber, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. "Through the efforts of communities like New York, this program has contributed millions to be invested in the most innovative and promising research that has led to every pivotal advance in lupus to date."

The lupus community thanks Walk sponsors for their ongoing support and commitment: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hospital for Special Surgery, NY Jets, Northwell Health, GSK, Us in Lupus, First Data, Cantor Fitzgerald, WCBS/WLNY, iHeart Radio, Aurinia.

Visit http://www.lupusresearch.org/ to learn more about the LRA and scientific breakthroughs that are transforming lupus treatment.

Get the latest news, share your experiences and support others on LRA's Community Forum, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Lupus Research Alliance

The Lupus Research Alliance aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.

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Awards and Honors, Business, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Free News Articles

2019 Lupus Insight Prize Awarded to Dr. Ignacio Sanz: Recognizes Studies of Harmful Immune Cells in Lupus

BOSTON, Mass. -- The Lupus Research Alliance has awarded its 2019 Lupus Insight Prize to Ignacio Sanz, MD, for discovering that certain little-understood immune system cells are a major source of the harmful proteins that promote lupus symptoms. His work could spark new treatments for the disease and help doctors determine which patients could benefit from current drugs. Dr. Sanz is a Mason Lowance Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.

The award was announced June 19 at FOCIS 2019, the 19th Annual Meeting of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS). The $100,000 award recognizes a major, novel insight and/or discovery with the promise of changing thinking about lupus as well as a high probability of generating further advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

"Dr. Sanz has already made vital contributions to understanding the role of B cells in lupus," said Kenneth M. Farber, President and CEO, Lupus Research Alliance. "We very much look forward to his next advances afforded by our Lupus Insight Prize."

Dr. Sanz's discoveries were a breakthrough for understanding how certain B cells, a type of immune cell, promote lupus. B cells are key for the disease. Their normal job is to produce proteins called antibodies that protect against bacteria and viruses. But in lupus, B cells release antibodies that trigger damage to patients' own tissues. Researchers have known that some B cells must mature in specialized parts of the lymph nodes or spleen before they can make these destructive antibodies.

Dr. Sanz showed that many damaging B cells follow a different route and identified the molecular mechanisms that underpin this B cell activation pathway. He and his team were the first to apply a comprehensive characterization of these cells using cutting-edge techniques such as multidimensional flow cytometry analysis of DNA in lupus patients. They found that this group of B cells was prevalent in patients who were undergoing lupus flares, particularly African-Americans. Dr. Sanz and his colleagues also found that, in contrast to healthy subjects, the lupus B cells were ready to transform into cells that produce harmful antibodies, even in patients without active disease.

"I thank the Lupus Research Alliance for recognizing my work, and I am eager to pursue further research with the potential for improving patient treatment," said Dr. Sanz.

Researchers may be able to build on Dr. Sanz' discoveries to develop new drugs that could reduce patients' risk and severity of disease flares. The results could also help doctors identify subsets of lupus patients that are more likely to benefit from therapies that destroy B cells using existing drugs. In addition, the cellular and molecular make-up of the abnormal lupus B cells should help identify new therapeutic targets.

About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of people with lupus are women; lupus most often strikes during the childbearing years of 15-45. African Americans, Latin Americans, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About the Lupus Research Alliance

The Lupus Research Alliance aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. The organization's stringent peer review grant process fosters diverse scientific talent who are driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.

Learn more at: https://www.lupusresearch.org/

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This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, Chicago – There’s Strength in Our Strides

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Join Chicago's lupus community and the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) Saturday, June 8, 2019 to Walk with Us to Cure Lupus at 633 Clark Street on the Northwestern University Campus in Evanston, Illinois. Walk with Us to Cure Lupus is the LRA's signature national program that unites communities across the country to achieve one goal - to raise the much-needed funds to improve care and find the cure.

In lupus, the immune system, which should protect against infection, instead creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body. More than 90 percent of the millions of people worldwide who live with lupus are women. African Americans, Latinx, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians.

Explaining why lupus patient and Chicago resident Amy Dunn Walks with the Lupus Research Alliance, she said, "Joining was a way for me not to feel so alone. "Before then, I didn't know anybody who was in my shoes. Today, I refuse to let lupus define me, and I will go to the ends of the earth to educate people - bring awareness - and ultimately help find a cure."

This day is set for a true celebration. Before and after the Walk, participants can take part in Tie Dying tee shirts, face painting, Team photos, Moon Bounce and signing the annual Hope Begins Here banner displayed in the LRA national office in NYC. Free breakfast, snacks and a 25 percent discount at Coldstone Creamery add to the fun for all ages. Free parking is available on campus in either Segal Visitor's Center Garage or the NU Campus Parking Lot.

Wheelchair accessible, the Walk route is about 3.1 miles around the scenic Northwestern University campus. Walkers are encouraged to go at their own pace and cover their own distance; it is not necessary to complete the route.

"Thousands are walking across the United States to raise awareness and funds for lupus research," comments Kenneth M. Farber, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. "Through the efforts of communities like Chicago, this program has contributed millions to be invested in the most innovative and promising research that has led to every pivotal advance in lupus to date. We look forward to seeing Chicago come out full force on June 8."

Visit http://www.lupuswalkchicago.org/ or email MCocchiarella@LupusResearch.org for more information.

The lupus community thanks Walk sponsors for their ongoing support: GSK and JP Morgan Chase, Target, Einstein Bros, Starbucks, Trader Joes, and IT'SUGAR.

Visit https://www.lupusresearch.org/ to learn more about the LRA and scientific breakthroughs that are transforming lupus treatment. Get the latest news, share your experiences and support others on LRA's Community Forum, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Lupus Research Alliance:

The Lupus Research Alliance aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100 percent of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, Boston – There’s Strength in Our Strides!

BOSTON, Mass. -- Join the Boston Bruins at the liveliest lupus walk Boston has ever seen! The lupus community will gather for the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) Boston "Walk with Us to Cure Lupus" 9 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2019 in DCR's Baxter Park at Assembly Row in Somerville, Mass.

"Walk with Us to Cure Lupus" is the LRA's signature national program that unites communities across the country to achieve one goal - to raise the much-needed funds to improve care and find the cure.

In lupus, the immune system, which should protect against infection, instead creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body. More than 90 percent of the millions of people worldwide who live with lupus are women. African Americans, Latinx, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians.

"I walk to do what I can to help the Lupus Research Alliance raise funds for research that is needed to better understand the disease, so that safer and more effective treatments can be developed. My hope is that one day a cure can be found but until then there is much work to be done," said Malden resident and lupus advocate Mirian Alvarez. "Like so many with lupus, I have had complications. Participating in the walks and meeting others who understand what we face, it has been very therapeutic and has helped me face the challenges along the way."

The Boston Bruins are ready to make this day a true celebration. The mascot 'Blades' will be there to bring on the party. Free breakfast, snacks and activities add to the fun for all ages. Plus, Assembly Row is an outdoor space to shop and dine, so participants can make it a full day's outing.

Wheelchair accessible, the Walk route is 3.2 miles along the scenic Mystic River. Walkers are encouraged to go at their own pace and cover their own distance; it is not necessary to complete the route.

"Thousands are walking across the United States to raise awareness and funds for lupus research," comments Kenneth M. Farber, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. "Through the efforts of communities like Boston, this program has contributed millions to be invested in the most innovative and promising research that has led to every pivotal advance in lupus to date. We look forward to seeing Boston come out full force on June 1."

For more information on the Boston event, visit http://www.lupuswalkboston.org.

The lupus community thanks Walk Supporters for their ongoing commitment: GSK, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Boston Bruins, IT'SUGAR, Starbucks, Wegmans and iHeart Radio!

Visit https://www.lupusresearch.org/ to learn more about the LRA and scientific breakthroughs that are transforming lupus treatment. Get the latest news, share your experiences and support others on LRA's Community Forum, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Community forum: https://community.lupusresearch.org/.

About the Lupus Research Alliance:

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100 percent of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. Learn more: https://www.lupusresearch.org/.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.