Stories of Lupus
By Marcia Urbin Raymond & Karin Mellberg
Narrated by Charles Osgood
Readymade Productions

An estimated two million Americans are currently living with systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic, potentially devastating disease in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells and tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage. It commonly strikes between the ages of 18 and 45, and 90% of those diagnosed are women. It is three times more common among African American women than among Caucasians. Lupus is difficult to diagnose, there is no cure, and many treatments can cause serious side effects, as well as a host of long-term complications.

Confronting their own recent diagnoses with lupus, the filmmakers decided to go "on the road," in honor of broadcast personality Charles Kuralt, who had died of lupus not long before. Travelling to eight cities, they sought out others who are enduring the precarious roller coaster of symptoms, treatment, flare-ups and recoveries characteristic of this complex, mysterious, and often life-threatening autoimmune disease.

Brian was diagnosed as a teenager and has been hospitalized 16 times but, with the support of his family, he hasn't let lupus get in the way of an active life. Libby was diagnosed at the age of 12, and wonders how the disease will affect her chances for a normal life in the future. Michelle's marriage and career collapsed after she was diagnosed. Today she is raising three children alone on welfare. Cindy has experienced some of the most severe side effects of treatment for lupus, including infections and dramatic weight gain. A former professor, Sharon lost the use of her kidneys to the disease and now must rely on self-dialysis four times a day. Mary McDonough, who played Erin on the long-running television series, The Waltons, speaks candidly about her fear that her daughter could inherit the disease.

The moving and intimate profiles in this documentary offer vivid examples not only of the disease's devastating impact, but of the courage and support that enable many people with lupus to manage their symptoms and live full, rewarding lives.

27 minutes
© 1999
Purchase $179 VHS
Order No. QA-416
ISBN (VHS) 1-57295-416-7

Reviews
"Very moving. Will bring greater awareness of lupus to the public. The stories are well chosen to depict the various forms taken by the disease and the remarkable courage required to face life and death with lupus." Science Books & Films, Best of 2005

"Touches upon several sensitive areas, including sexuality, fears, and sharing experiences with partners. Highly Recommended." Video Librarian

Awards & Conference Screenings
Freddie Award, International Health & Medical Film Competition
Lupus Foundation of America
Arthritis Foundation

Related Films
For Life: Three years after Stories of Lupus, the filmmaker revisits five people from the earlier film, to explore the day-to-day challenges and gifts that come to people living with a chronic illness as it evolves over time.

One in Eight: Janice was 33 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is an irreverent and highly personal look at one woman's fight with a disease that affects one in eight women.

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Hepatitis C: A Viral Mystery: Hepatitis C is a viral disease of the liver which affects nearly four million Americans. Although about 10,000 people die each year from diseases associated with Hepatitis C, it is not an automatic death sentence.

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