The LAM Foundation

The other charitable orginatization I wanted to bring to everyone's attention is the LAM Foundation. What is LAM you ask? For a complete understanding, I have taken the definition below directly from the LAM Foundation's web page. It is believed that there are actually more cases than those reported due to misdiagnosis. For more information on symptoms, treatment and how you can help, I implore you to visit their website. http://www.TheLAMFoundation.org

"Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, or LAM is a rare lung disease that affects almost
exclusively women. It was first described in the medical literature in 1919. The
disease is characterized by an unusual type of muscle cell that invades the
tissue of the lungs, including the airways, and blood and lymph vessels. Over
time, these muscle cells grow into the walls of the airways, and blood and lymph
vessels, causing them to become obstructed. Over time, the muscle cells block
the flow of air, blood, and lymph vessels to and from the lungs, preventing the
lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body.
An unusual, frequently
asymptomatic, kidney tumor called Angiomyolipoma is found in up to 50% of
patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
About 2.5% of patients with
tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder, develop a lung disease that is identical
to that which occurs in LAM. These patients often have angiomyolipomas of the
kidney as well. Although patients with LAM do not develop the central nervous
system and skin changes of tuberous sclerosis, the similarities in the lung and
kidney manifestations of the two diseases have led some investigators to
postulate that they may have common causes. For more information contact the
Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is pronounced lim-fan
je-o-lio-mi o-ma-to sis, and more commonly referred to as LAM. Lymph and angio
refer to the lymph and blood vessels. Leiomyomatosis refers to the formation of
the bundles of the unusual muscle cells."