Lupus
Image: lupus.org
A financial sector professional, Bradley DiTeresi is also a practicing Catholic. Bradley DiTeresi supports charities including the Lupus Foundation of America. The nonprofit strives to improve the lives of those affected by lupus through support, research, education, and advocacy.
A worldwide opinion survey in 2016 revealed that 35 percent of the respondents were not aware that lupus was a disease. Furthermore, more than half of the respondents could not identify the physical complications linked to the disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease capable of damaging all parts of the body such as organs, joints, and skin.
As the immune system can no longer tell friend from foe, the disease causes the body to produce antibodies that attack and ravage healthy cells causing pain, inflammation, and damage. Unpredictable, it is difficult to diagnose and can be mild to life-threatening. Lupus is not contagious and cannot be transferred through sex.
Globally, around 5 million people are affected by the disease, and each year 16,000 new cases are reported. Under proper medical care, most individuals affected by lupus can lead normal lives.
Bradley DiTeresi 