Clutch Distilling was created to help aid a loved one with the chronic illness lupus. We are committed to bringing awareness to this disease by working with the Lupus Foundation and by donating proceeds of sales at the distillery. So, although their battle with lupus is over, their legacy of bravery and unwavering fortitude remains at the core of Clutch Distilling. And that is what continues to elevate our spirit, every day.
Eric Worrell Jr. is a Houston, Texas native with roots from Barbados. The passion for rum distilling flows in his veins. He is able to use his award-winning rum to fuel his tasting room and in turn, donate to the Lupus Foundation.
“Fight your good fight, whatever that may be, and when the dust settles, don’t forget to celebrate with friends and family.”
Not only do we intend to bring you high quality spirits using the best ingredients possible, but we aim to do more. At Clutch Distilling we intend to do as much as we can to help in the fight against Lupus.
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. We collect donations year around to support the Lupus Foundation of America. We make our donation in May which is Lupus Awareness Month.
To support, you can donate with us or simply purchase any of our Lupus Awareness merchandise online. A portion of these sales will be donated to cause. You can also join us annually at the walk to end Lupus to show your support.
Clutch Distilling was started to help aid a loved one with a chronic illness. Clutch continues today because of the strength, bravery and unwavering will our beloved hero showed. The fight is over now for our dear angel, but that legacy fuels Clutch Distilling.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead (Lupus.org).
The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.
Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age. However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
Ninety percent (90%) of people living with lupus are women. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44.
Different forms of lupus:
Systemic lupus accounts for approximately 70 percent of all cases of lupus. In approximately half of these cases, a major organ or tissue in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or brain will be affected. Cutaneous lupus (affecting only the skin) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all lupus cases. Drug-induced lupus accounts for about 10 percent of all lupus cases and is caused by high doses of certain medications. Neonatal lupus is a rare condition in which the mother’s antibodies affect the fetus (Lupus.org).
It is believed that between 10-15 percent of people with lupus will die prematurely due to complications of lupus. However, due to improved diagnosis and disease management, most people with the disease will go on to live a normal life span (Lupus.org).
What is the state of lupus awareness?
According to Lupus.org, awareness of the disease lags behind many other illnesses. 63% of Americans surveyed have never heard of lupus or know little or nothing about this disease and its symptoms beyond the name indicating there is significant opportunity and need for continued public education.