The Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is leading an effort to make lupus visible throughout May during Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus Warriors, volunteers, and supporters will rally the local community to raise awareness of lupus and funds to support research, education, and support services.
“Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body, causing the immune system to attack healthy tissue instead of fighting infections. As a result, it is difficult to diagnose, live with, and a challenge to treat,” said Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter.
Many of the debilitating symptoms and impacts of lupus can’t be seen – from extreme fatigue and excruciating joint pain to effects on the organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs. Because many of these symptoms aren’t visible, it can often leave those living with lupus feeling misunderstood and isolated.
Throughout May, the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter will shine a light on some of the invisible impacts of lupus, including symptoms and diagnosis, the effect of lupus on the body and quality of life, and the importance of lupus research and clinical trials.
There are several ways to get involved and make lupus more visible:
- Lace up your sneakers and join the Walk to End Lupus NOW! on Saturday, May 6, on the campus of Texas Southern University. Participants who donate or raise $25 will receive a free t-shirt. For more information and to register, visit https://www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast/events/walk-to-end-lupus-now-tsu.
- Enjoy light bites and sip on purple mocktails as you watch City Hall light up purple in observance of World Lupus Day on Wednesday, May 10. Can’t make it out? Wear purple on May 10 to show your support!
- Molina’s Cantinas’ locations will host a Lupus Awareness fundraiser on Tuesday, May 23. The restaurant will donate the day’s proceeds to the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter.
“With the support of the lupus community, including Lupus Warriors, friends, family members, health care professionals, and partners, we will make lupus visible throughout May, raising awareness of this devastating and life-changing disease,” said Blacketer. “We encourage everyone to share facts and information about lupus to increase awareness, helping to reduce time to diagnosis while increasing the understanding and compassion for those living with the disease.”
To learn more about Lupus Awareness Month and how to get involved, visit https://www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.