‘Making Lupus Visible!’ is focus of this year’s awareness month
Advocates note symptoms of autoimmune disease often are invisible
May is Lupus Awareness Month, and the Lupus Foundation of America is calling on supporters to join efforts to bring attention to lupus, an autoimmune disease whose symptoms are not always readily apparent.
The focus of this year’s awareness month is “Make Lupus Visible” — given that the chronic condition is often invisible to others.
For World Lupus Day on May 10, the World Lupus Federation, a global coalition, will also be pushing for greater awareness and more resources for patients. The nonprofit is advocating for earlier diagnosis and better, timely treatment globally.
To that end, the federation invites everyone to wear something purple — the designated color to raise awareness for lupus.
According to advocates, every action, from posting on social media to participating in local events, or lighting up a building or landmark in purple, contributes to a larger movement to make lupus more visible and better understood.
“Join us this May to Make Lupus Visible!” the Lupus Foundation states on its webpage for Lupus Awareness Month, calling it “a time to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.”
“Together, we can shine a light on lupus and make a difference,” the webpage states.
Fundraising efforts also on tap to mark Lupus Awareness Month
For those who use social media, the Lupus Foundation is providing a shareable toolkit filled with facts, sample posts, and images that can be used to educate others throughout the month. Sharing personal stories can also help more people understand the daily challenges of living with lupus, the nonprofit notes.
Supporters also are encouraged to take the “Purple Pledge,” committing to raising awareness and helping throughout the year to make lupus more visible.
Another way to show support is by taking part in the Walk to End Lupus Now campaign. Its events take place in cities across the U.S., with virtual options also available. The foundation says walking not only helps raise funds for research and support services, but also brings people together.
For those who enjoy gaming, there’s the Game On! to End Lupus campaign. Participants stream games, raise funds, and use their platforms to educate others about the disease. It’s designed to be a fun and engaging way to reach new audiences, and those who fundraise can earn exclusive lupus-themed merchandise.
Hosting a fundraiser is another way to make a difference. Whether it’s a bake sale, a birthday campaign, or a virtual event, every effort helps, per the foundation. Planning resources are available to support anyone who wants to organize an event and contribute to the cause.
This month also will include the National Lupus Advocacy Summit, to be held May 4-6 in Washington, D.C. and online. Participants will advocate for policies that support lupus research and care. According to the Lupus Foundation, it’s a chance to learn, connect with lawmakers, and push for meaningful change.
Elsewhere, the Lupus Research Alliance is offering a social media toolkit and providing other ways for supporters to get involved in moving lupus research forward. Among such efforts are participating in clinical trials, advocating for research funding, and making donations to support research programs, per the alliance.
