Vicki Lawrence, best known as the star of sitcom Mama’s Family, ensemble cast member of The Carol Burnett Show, was diagnosed with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, or CIU (chronic hives without a known cause) CIU four years ago. After her own experience with CIU, and learning about the importance of talking to her doctor and describing her symptoms, Vicki wants to help motivate others to do the same.

CIU is characterized by hives that spontaneously occur without an identifiable cause and reoccur for six weeks or more. CIU symptoms wax and wane unpredictably and include red, itchy hives on the skin that can last for many months and even years. In the U.S., it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people suffer from CIU.

During a recent phone interview, Vicki Lawrence revealed her personal experience of living with the condition. She also shared information about CIU & You, a new educational program focused on supporting the specific needs of people who have CIU.

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CIU & You is developed in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and made possible by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Genentech. For additional information, visit www.CIUandYou.com.

Vicki Lawrence