Advocates urge community action during Lupus Awareness Month
Annual May event will feature multiple initiatives, fundraising events
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This May, organizations will mark Lupus Awareness Month with initiatives and are calling on the lupus community to take action to spread the word.
Observed each year, the campaign also includes Lupus Awareness Day on May 10, a key moment to spotlight the challenges faced by people living with the disease and the need for continued research and advocacy.
For the Lupus Research Association, this year’s theme of “Hope in Action” emphasizes that every effort — from shaping research priorities to new treatment developments — is driven by the lupus community.
“Progress in lupus research happens when we come together. Join an upcoming event – or host your own! – to connect, learn, and support the cause,” the association states on its Awareness Month webpage.
Events include walks, marathons, golf outing, and more
In May and beyond, educational and fundraising events will include walks, marathons, and the 12th Annual Willie Colon Golf Outing in New Jersey. The June 22 golf event is a partnership between the Lupus Research Alliance and Colon, the former Pittsburgh Steelers/New York Jets player, whose mother had lupus.
The alliance is also providing a social media toolkit with sample posts, facts, and graphics. Hashtags to use during awareness month include #LupusResearch, #LupusAwareness, #LupusAwarenessMonth, and #HopeInActionTheFutureOfLupus. Sharing personal stories can also help spread the word and tell others what Hope in Action means to you.
Elsewhere, the Lupus Foundation of America’s Southeast chapter is also calling the community to “Take Powerful Action.”
“May is Lupus Awareness Month, a time to come together, educate, and TAKE ACTION for our communities. Whether you’re raising awareness, advocating for change, or supporting those affected, every effort makes a difference,” the organization states on its campaign webpage.
Supporters can encourage landmarks and buildings to light up in purple on Lupus Awareness Day, wear purple, and participate in a Walk to End Lupus Now event.
“Today is a great day to start planning how you will POP [put on purple] for a Purpose! Help spread awareness and support those living with lupus,” the foundation states.
Fundraising ideas include a Dress Down Purple Day, a Bingo Night, a Purple Bake Sale, and the $6 challenge.
“Donate or ask others to forego their coffee shop beverage and donate $6 to represent the 6-year average it takes to be diagnosed with lupus,” the foundation states.
Other possible initiatives include proclamations by local officials recognizing Lupus Awareness Month, taking the Know Lupus quiz and sharing results on social media, and taking a Purple Pledge to keep lupus visible year-round.
The foundation also promotes the Game On! to End Lupus campaign, where content creators use their platforms to play video games, make music, and help raise funds. It also encourages companies to sign up as partners by sharing a percentage of sales, selling purple products, setting up workplace fundraisers, or planning an awareness event.
