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If you'd like to make a donation to help support our mission, please click here to go to our Donate page. All donors will be recognized on our site as well as in our Foundation Newsletter.
Our Mission Statement Founded in 2005, the APS Foundation of America, Inc. is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services in an effective and ethical manner. Our Goal Is:
The APS Foundation of America, Inc. is the only United States nonprofit health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, and young strokes and heart attacks. We are a volunteer-run, community-based, non-profit organization. Women are more likely than men to be affected by APS. Some estimates say that 75% to 90% of those affected are women. For example, it has been estimated by some doctors that one third of all of young strokes (defined as under the age of 50) are due to APS. In obstetrics it is estimated by some doctors that up to 25% of all women with 2 or more spontaneous miscarriages have APS. Some doctors believe that 1 in 5 of all Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs), Pulmonary Embolisms (PEs), and even worse, amputations are due to APS. And it is believed that 40-50% of patients with Lupus also have APS. Still, with these statistics, APS rarely is discussed as a women’s health issue and is misdiagnosed often. Therefore the total number of people affected and true statistics are unknown really. Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. There are two known forms of APS. APS may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, other autoimmune disease, or in otherwise healthy individuals. Sadly, when most people hear about APS and it being referred to as autoimmune disease, they incorrectly confuse the terms autoimmune with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); or they think this is a form of cancer. This lack of knowledge and awareness results in needless suffering for persons with APS. Misdiagnosis and / or delayed diagnosis usually result in damage to vital organs. The need to bring a national attention to APS as a common factor in multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks is vital in order to bring a joint effort to research, funding, early detection, and eventually, prevention and cure for APS.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The APS Foundation of America, Inc. emphasizes the dignity
and equality common to all persons. The APS Foundation of America, Inc. does
not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex,
sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, veteran status, ancestry, or
national or ethnic origin.
Page updated on: 09/30/06
The APS Foundation of America, Inc.
website and forums are independently funded and maintained by Heidi and
Tina. We do not receive any funding from advertising.
Website created and maintained by Heidi P.
DISCLAIMER: APS Foundation of America, Inc. website is not intended to replace standard doctor-patient visits, physical examination, and medical testing. Information given to members is only an opinion. All information should be confirmed with your personal doctor. Always seek the advice of a trained physician in person before seeking any new treatment regarding your medical diagnosis or condition. Any information received from APS Foundation of America, Inc. website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure. This site is for informational purposes only. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. |
