Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

August 14, 1996

To the Members of the European Lupus Erythematosus Federation

Dear Friends:

I am sorry that I am unable to join you at your conference in Pisa. The level of activity following our recent merger with The American Lupus Society prevents me from being with you in person. However, all of us are with you in spirit.

We were most pleased to have Rudi Hocks and Brian Hanner attend our Annual Meeting in Bosten in July. Rudi gave an excellent presentation about the history, programs and goals of ELEF. We also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of Lupus Canada to begin planning for the 1998 Patients Conference in Cancun, Mexico. Rudi, Brian, Marilyn Sousa and three representatives from Lupus Canada are serving as the planning committee. We are delighted that Marilyn Sousa will be representing the LFA on this planning group. The insights and perspectives of each of the committee members-patients, family members and professionals - promise to make the Third International Patients Conference the best ever.

The LFA remains deeply committed to sharing information, ideas and research findings with other lupus groups around the world. In many ways our two organizations - ELEF and LFA - have much in common as federations of local organizations dedicated to helping people with lupus, their families and friends while striving to find the cause of and cure for lupus. Our strength comes from our ability to bring together all those whose lives are touched by lupus - patients, spouses, parents, children, coworkers, employers, physicians and health care professionals among others - and to enable each of those people to contribute their skills, interests and expertise in helping to improve service to those who need our help.

On behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America, we hope that your conference is an overwhelming success. We look forward to working with you and to welcoming you to North America in 1998.

John M. Huber