Free Social Security Disability Screenings in Raleigh March 2

Online, February 14, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation and Medicare plan selection services, is pleased to support the Lupus Foundation of America's "Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery™" tour, which will be in Raleigh Saturday, March 2, 2013.

"Lupus is one of the cruelest, most mysterious diseases on earth," said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Lupus Foundation of America North Carolina Chapter. "It strikes without warning, has unpredictable, sometimes fatal effects, lasts a lifetime, and has no known cause and no known cure."

Approximately 45,000 people in North Carolina have lupus. Nationwide, almost 1.5 million people experience significant tissue damage, organ failure, disability and death due to lupus.

On Saturday, March 2, individuals with lupus and their families can attend the free "Lupus: Learning and Living" program from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, 500 Fayetteville St. Register at http://learningandlivingnc.eventbrite.com/.

Individuals with lupus who can no longer work may be eligible for SSDI benefits they paid for during their working years. However, because of a lack of understanding and awareness of the disease, as well as the subjective nature of some of its painful symptoms, many individuals with lupus are denied benefits. Allsup experts will be on hand at the educational program to answer questions about SSDI and provide eligibility screenings.

A continuing medical education program for healthcare professionals will be conducted from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Allsup representatives will be available to answer provider questions and share resources tailored to help them assist patients. Healthcare providers can register for the professional program by clicking here.

"Working with individuals with lupus, we see first-hand the challenges they face in everything from getting a diagnosis to communicating the severity of how lupus affects them," said Tai Venuti, Allsup's manager of Strategic Alliances. "Individuals who can't continue working must deal with their disease, as well as the emotional, psychological and financial impacts of not being able to work."

The national "Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery" tour features a 45-foot purple bus covered in lupus facts with eight interactive exhibits. It will be in various Raleigh locations Feb. 28 through March 2. A complete list of tour dates and locations is available at CruelMystery.com.™