The Lupus Foundation of America has sent out its Purple Bus to take awareness about one of the world’s more mysterious diseases to the Los Angeles-area public. Starting today, Jan. 10, the bus will be on tour in key locations until Sunday. The public is urged to come out and learn about the disease, which affects women of color primarily.
Called the “Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery National Tour,” it is designed raise awareness about the diseases, which has no known cure. New data show that a majority of Americans at the highest risk for lupus know little or nothing about it.
The tour features a 45-foot-long purple bus, with interactive exhibits to educate and build support for funding lupus research and education services. The bus will make several stops throughout the city, culminating with patient and physician education events on Saturday at noon.
Among those taking part will be Mercedes Yvette, an “America’s Next Top Model” runner-up; and Wendy Rodgers, a Los Angeles-area resident and lupus activist–both of whom have the disease–and Sandra Raymond, president and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America.
Today, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., the bus will be at the Civic Center, Little Tokyo Parking Lot 753; Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at UCLA’s Wilson Plaza; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at UCLA women’s basketball game at Pauley Pavilion; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at the JW Marriott hotel at 900 W. Olympic Blvd., and Sunday at First AME Church, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd.
