Started in October 1993, in the guestroom of the founder's home, the Arkansas chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America has grown to 200 members and serves the entire State of Arkansas. Mrs. Jamesetta Smith saw the importance of starting the chapter when she and her husband moved to Arkansas in 1992. As a lupus patient herself, Jamesetta knows about the importance of education and support for those directly and indirectly impacted by the devastating disease. Lupus patients need someone to talk to who understands and knows firsthand about the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead. To help these individuals, the chapter's Hot Springs and Ft. Smith offices host monthly support groups, free of charge. To support the Arkansas chapter's many efforts and awareness activities, patients, family members, and supporters come together regularly to raise funding. 

It is estimated that nationally 1 out of every 185 persons has lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation, about 1.5 million Americans have a form of the chronic, incurable disease that can result in severe joint pain and swelling, fevers, fatigue, and other health effects, including organ failure and death. Needless to say, lupus is a widespread disease that touches the lives of millions of Americans. I am glad Mrs. Jamesetta Smith, Founder of the Arkansas Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, took on the challenge of developing and implementing a chapter and based it in my Congressional District. She and the chapter's volunteers are to be commended for their hard work in informing Arkansans about the symptoms and health effects of lupus and providing important facts to help the public better understand the impact of the disease.