I have never seen (on TV) nor heard (on radio) a Public Service
Announcement about Lupus.
http://www.lupus.org/awareness/2004psa.html sponsors (pays?) for PSA's.
The purpose is probably to get more research dollars.
The TV one is about how life-threatening Lupus can be.
The radio one there is a bit better, it talks about fatigue and pain.

There is another way.
Non-commercial radio stations. Many of you maybe don't listen to them.
As far as I know, they do PSA's for free.

Some of them also have special interview shows talking about life or
health issues.
Ask the station manager if there is one and who to contact. Talk to the
person who does the show.
Ask if you can go in and explain what it's like to live with Lupus and
maybe have call'ins. Others who same problems, or people wanting to know
how to help a friend with Lupus. Tell them.
If the "radio"/TV want more than one person, post a notice on the bulletin
board in the Campus Community station that you and the radio are looking
for a student with Lupus to join in on the show/PSA.

PSA's are done in a programming booth, with equipment. So what you have to
do is write (they tell you how long you have) something up that you want
to say, go in and have a practice run, then they record it. Easy and fast.

Some of them also have TV broadcasting. Some of it only broadcasts to the
campus. But still that's adults and students.

Get the word out to people about your lives.  Be clear that it's not just
about getting funds, it's about others (friends, family, co-workers,
bosses, stores), understanding what you have to live with everyday. (not
just the ER-type example that Janers posted about).

There's a list of these stations here
http://www.gumbopages.com/other-radio.html

Most of these have "contact" information on their webpages.
(Sorry BJ, there's no web page for CFMQ, 98.1 FM. - you would have to
listen if they broadcast to where you are or call the nearest one to you
and ask if they can do a telephone PSA/interview.

Name of station manager, phone or fax number.
Contact them and find out whether you can be part of making a PSA about
Lupus.

Contact them and ask if they have slot a in their programming guide to
discuss such issues.
Some have call-in slots/shows where people call to ask questions or
comments.
If you feel better about it, take another person with Lupus with you or
your partner (to explain what it's like for family).
If you are male, go and let them know that it's not just females.
Find the stations near you and contact them.

Here's an example of one in Vancouver:
http://www.citr.ca/default.asp?id=3&mnu=3

Get the word out with your own personal message. The more everyone hears
it, the more it will sink in with family and friends.
J