Charity Spotlight: The APS Foundation of America

APS Sydrome

In the recent passing of our dear friend Jason Strauss, MicroGiving would like to recognize a fantastic organization dedicated to the support, education and awareness of Lupus and related APS syndrome

The APS Foundation of America, Inc. is the only United States nonprofit health agency solely dedicated to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks.

1. In layman’s terms, what exactly is APS?

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a blood clotting disorder (thrombosis) related to lupus. Thrombosis blocks the arteries and veins and can cause major complications in pregnancy such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery. APS is also referred to as Hugh’s Syndrome.

2. What does the APS Foundation of America support?

We educate the public– facilitating the latest information about APS and drawing national focus to an afflictive disease which is often overlooked. We also provide emotional support, medical council and suggest resources for individuals and families to turn to in time of need.

3. Roughly how many individuals and families are affected by Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

An estimated 1 – 5% has APS syndrome, or roughly 1 million people. APS is a major concern among women; roughly 75 – 90% of those affected by APS are female. Among those who are affected by Lupus, 40 – 50% of patients also have APS (most of which are not aware).

4. What are some of the symptoms associated with APS Syndrome?

The most common effects of APS  are blood clots which lead to miscarriages, DVT, strokes and heart attacks.

5. What is the APS Foundation of America’s vision for the next 5-10 years?

Our goal is to bring national attention to APS as a common factor in multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks.  This awareness is vital in order to bring a joint effort to research, funding, early detection, and eventually, prevention and cure for APS.

6. Can you share any accomplishments The APS Foundation has achieved?

We declared June as APS Awareness month (the date of our inauguration) and received recognition across 20 different states including Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (to name a few). We were also spotlighted on the Discovery Health Channel’s show ‘Mystery Diagnosis: Falling through the Cracks’. The show is now also aired on TLC. You can download the document on Itunes.

The APS Foundation of America is a volunteer run, community based, 501(c)3 non-profit Public Charity dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, support, public awareness, research and patient services for APS syndrome. To learn more about the APS Foundation of America, visit www.apsfa.org

Tags: antiphospholipid, aps foundation of america, aps syndrome