CUMMING — A free symposium on an autoimmune disease that may not often be talked about will be held Saturday morning at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, led by a survivor and pageant contestant.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter has joined with Virginia Mulrooney, a 2015 Mrs. Georgia America contestant, to raise awareness of and education on lupus.

The Lupus Empowerment Symposium is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the hospital’s Bennett Education Center, 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive.

Lupus is an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease that can affect any organ, including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood or skin. It primarily affects young women in their childbearing years but can also reach men, children and women of all ages.

Mulrooney, who lived with a severe diagnosis of lupus for many years before going into remission, is the leader of the North Georgia Support Group.

The group is part of a network of 32 others across the state that provide people with lupus an opportunity to share common experiences and learn from one another.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least 5 million people worldwide have a form of lupus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.

“Our solving the mystery of lupus starts with the joining of hands,” said Mulrooney, a married mother of seven. “Relationships, where support, education and awareness thrive, are the key to our finding a cure.”

On Saturday, presentations will be given by leading physicians and professionals covering critical topics, including: “Understanding Lupus – Ask the Doctor,” “Gentle Yoga and Pain Relief” and “Lupus and the Kidneys.”

Lunch will be provided to registered attendees and their families. For more information and to sign up, visit lupusga.org.