The 2001 Fourth International Lupus Patients' Conference, organized by LUPUS UK, The Spanish Lupus Association and The European Lupus Erythematosus Federation (ELEF), offered information on the latest research, available new medications, and directions for a future free from lupus. The audience numbered nearly 250, more than half of whom travelled across Spain to take part in the two-day conference. Organizing Committee Chairman Brian Hanner, ably assisted by his Committee colleagues, ensured that the two days of presentations flowed smoothly.

The Welcoming Address was given by Dr. Munther Khamashta, Chairman of the concurrent 6" Scientific Conference on Lupus and Director of the Lupus Research Unit at St. Thomas'Hospital in London. Then followed "Welcome to Spain" by Pilar Alvarez Siles, President of the Spanish Lupus Group, translated into English by Estibaliz Angiano.

Eight of the world's leading investigators in the field of lupus took part in the Lupus Patient Conference as special guest speakers: Dr. Robert Lahita (USA); Dr. Michelle Petri (USA); Dr. John Klippel (USA); Dr. Graham Hughes (UK); Dr. Donato Alarc6n-Segovia (Mexico); Dr. Daniel Wallace (USA); Dr. Evelyn Hess (USA); and Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld (Israel). Session moderators were Dr Richard Cervera (Spain), Dr David D'Cruz (UK), and Dr. Matthias Schnieder (Germany), and it must also be noted with appreciation that many of the speakers adapted their technical language to fit a layperson audience.

Seventeen international lupus group representatives provided an interesting look at how their organizations support and educate people with lupus and, all too often, how they must make up for scant resources with creativity and caring. They were: Jean-Paul Sanders/European Lupus Erythematosus Federation (ELEF); Gluseppina Politi/Italy; Maria Toledo/Belgium; Leslie McAllister/New South Wales, Australia; Ronnie Gourley/United Kingdom; Delphine Tardieu/ France; Estibaliz Anglano/Spain; Enid Elton/Victoria, Australia; Len Funk/Canada; RudolfHocks/Gerrnany; Maria Buarque/Brazil; Rosemary Church/Alberta, Canada; Karen Guest/Ontario, Canada; Peter Bakker/The Netherlands; Christina de Pizarro/Mexico; Janet Wiseman/Essex, United Kingdom; Denise Morado/Lupus Online, Brazil; and Marilyn Rosas/The Philippines.

In addition, LFA Chairman of the Board of Directors Reeve Bright showed two special LFA videos, "Responding to the Call" and "Advocates for the Cause." The first is about the impact of lupus on individuals and families, the second is about how research funds for lupus can be increased through advocacy efforts, and both videos were warmly welcomed by delegates.

Following the formal two-day conference, lupus patient group delegates also had an opportunity to exchange views and opinions on lupus patient support issues. Topics under discussion included:

• Lupus group publications

• The International Lupus Group Directory, its compilation and ongoing maintenance

• Creation of more national lupus groups

• World Lupus Week - can we agree the concept and the week?

• Future International Lupus Patient Conferences

Comments will be compiled and made available within the next few weeks through the resources of LUPUS UK, ELEF and the Lupus Foundation of America.

Thank you, Jenny,for your valued summary of this successful international lupus patients'Conference and meeting oflupus support group representatives.