It’s that time of year! Congress is in the process of determining how to fund the government for next year, and as always, we want to keep you informed on the latest updates affecting lupus programs. Wednesday evening, the Committee on Appropriations’ Defense Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives passed their fiscal year 2021 Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations bill. Moments ago, complete details of the legislation were released, and we are thrilled to report that the Subcommittee has once again included $10 million for the Lupus Research Program at the DOD!  Read more

As much as we hate having to make the decision to not have in-person events this year, the health and well-being of the people we support, our constituents, volunteers and staff is our highest priority. We are sad to announce the cancellation of our gala A Tasteful Affair for 2020. Additionally, the Walk to End Lupus Now will be a virtual Walk on October 10th with exciting events online during the week before. Our In the Loop - Healthy Living with Lupus symposium will also be virtual on October 17th. As always, we have incredible speakers and exciting topics lined up for you. Registration for both events will be open soon. Our goal is to decrease opportunities to spread COVID-19 while still offering educational and fundraising events that sustain our Chapter. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support and are already looking forward to next year when hopefully we'll be able to able to once again share in our normal comradery.

Although our in-person support groups have been suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, some of the groups that normally meet in person are temporarily meeting virtually via Zoom and we've added a new Lupus Lifestyle Zoom support group meeting led by Lindsey Monroe and Cassandra Schuchman that meets the first Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm. 

We hope you'll get comfortable and join us in sharing experiences, methods of coping and insights into living with lupus! For information on all support group meetings and how to participate, please visit https://www.lupus.org/indiana/support-groups-indiana; meetings are also posted on our Facebook page. 

Did you know there is a weekly education email series created to provide you with knowledge and skills that can help you better manage lupus and it’s every day challenges? 

Sign up for the Take Charge Series

Sat, Oct 10: Walk to End Lupus Now (Virtual)
Sat, Oct 17: In the Loop - Healthy Living with Lupus Symposium (Virtual)

Recurring Events:
Ask the Experts Teleconferences (Monthly)
Support Group Meetings (Monthly)

We would like to shine a light on our Facebook Fundraising Stars for the month of June who raised $730! Thank you to those who fundraise for and donate to our Chapter during this uncertain time. To donate head to our Facebook page. 

Learn how to start your own Facebook Fundraiser

The work we do would not be possible without our Community Partners. This month we are highlighting Guardian Sponsor IU Health Physicians Rheumatology. Community Partners donate money for our annual A Tasteful Affair, Walk to End Lupus Now and In the Loop - Healthy Living with Lupus Symposium. The work we do would not be possible if it wasn't for our Community Partners like IU Health Physicians Rheumatology and we are extremely grateful.

To learn more about becoming a Community Partner click here.