All Things Real Estate Newspaper Issue 5 Volume 4 | Page 7

Molly’s Fund FIGHTING LUPUS Published by MAY is Lupus Awareness MONTH in OREGON If you are not familiar with lupus, you are not alone; more than 5 million (estimated) suffer from this disease worldwide and it is one of America’s least recognized major diseases. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). When a person has lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, and it cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues and creates auto-antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. The result is intense inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. There is no cure, and thousands of Oregonians suffer from this illness, that’s why May was designated as Lupus Awareness Month – to help bring lupus out of the shadows and into the light. How Molly’s Fund Began When Molly McCabe, cofounder of Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus, was diagnosed with lupus seven years ago, the journey was fraught with challenges, frustrations, and constant visits to emergency rooms and doctors. She had no support, no idea where to turn, and couldn’t share her fears and concerns. literally thought she was going to die. At that time there was almost no support, no guidance and little valid information about the disease. That inspired her, and her mother Debbie, to make a difference. Together they started Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus, and now the two, including staff, a Board of Directors, and supporters have made Molly’s Fund one of the top sources of information, advocacy and education in the Northwest. Front cover sponsored by: Please see Westlake's article on pg 9 Building custom homes throughout the Pacific Northwest for nearly 30 years, at Westlake Development Group we take pride in our ability to provide a rewarding and successful design and build experience for homebuyers just like you. Gerald L. Rowlett, Owner | Cell: 503.708.1056 | Email: [email protected] allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 7