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Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter

May 2020

Newsletter



Serving the texas
Lone Star region


Go Purple to End Lupus TW 

 May Is Lupus Awareness Month

May will be celebrated a little differently this year. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has overwhelmed our lives. We all have been affected by the #StayHome orders to help each other and do our part in helping our communities.  However, life must go on and we are determined to continue serving people affected by lupus who need our services.

The month of May is full of activities, from recognizing World Lupus Day, participating in one or more of the virtual programs we have developed, to Put On Purple and raise awareness of lupus, a chronic and complicated disease affecting 5 million people worldwide, and 1.5 million Americans including 120,000 Texans.  Please see the details about what we are doing to celebrate the month by visiting our Lupus Awareness website!

We at the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter understand and care about all who are affected by lupus and one of the most vulnerable populations at risk of contracting COVID-19. This is the reason we must continue serving those who need us most. If you have any questions about lupus and coronavirus you can email us or visit the Coronavirus Updates.


Take The Purple Pledge

I took the purple pledge FB

On average, it takes approximately 6 years to have a formal diagnosis of lupus, from the first symptom(s). By taking the Purple Pledge, you are pledging to help others learn about lupus so more people will know about this serious and debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease. 

Take the pledge to raise awareness in your community, share signs and symptoms, and encourage others to know if they should ask if it might be lupus.

TAKE THE PLEDGE!

 

             Research

Awareness

Education

charts

Initial Finding on Lupus and COVID-19 Now Available

Despite increased healthcare system demands and stretched resources, the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance has successfully developed a global registry to capture and share key medical findings relevant to people with rheumatic disease who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Created in less than one week, the new system enables healthcare providers around the world to access online portals and share case reports that shed light on how people with diseases like lupus are responding to the novel coronavirus, helping to answer questions about susceptibility and treatment.

As of April 1, 2020, 110 individuals with rheumatic disease who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are included from six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. So far, 17% of those reported cases represent people with lupus. Of the entire registry, the most common COVID-19 symptoms reported at the onset of the disease are:

  • Fever (79%)
  • Cough (77%)
  • Shortness of breath (50%)
  • Muscle pain (45%)
  • Sore throat (37%)

The five most common co-occurring illness according to the current data are:

  • High blood pressure (28%)
  • Lung disease (20%)
  • Heart disease (11%)
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 and above (8%)
  • Diabetes (8%)

CONTINUE READING

Lupus Partners

Lupus Awareness Month

May is Lupus Awareness Month and we encourage you to participate from the comfort of your home. There are many opportunities to take part in advocating, educating, and spreading hope to all those who are affected by lupus.

  • May 2, 2020 - Virtual support group with guest speaker, Dr. Pegram, Rheumatologist.
  • May 5, 2020- Giving Tuesday. Start a fundraiser and become a lupus partner to raise funds for lupus research, education, support, and advocacy.
  • May 9, 2020 - Virtual Support group. The first group is at 11:00 a.m. and the second group starts at 1:00 p.m. Join one or both!
  • May 10, 2020 - Observe World Lupus Day by wearing purple, posting pictures on social media, and telling your story of lupus.
  • May 12, 2020- Rally for Lupus with a Patient Story, Systemic Lupus, and Managing Your Lupus.
  • May 15, 2020 - Put On Purple Day! Get your t-shirt, purple light bulb, and yard sign for POP day! #Lights4Lupus
  • May 19, 2020 - Lupus and the Skin: A Helpful Guide Teleconference
You can find more information on how to participate in Lupus Awareness Month activities by visiting the dedicated webpage. We encourage everyone to learn more about lupus, educate someone on lupus, and share your stories on social media. Don't forget to tag us @LupusLoneStar #LupusLoneStar #Lights4Lupus #PutOnPurple
 

support groups zoom

Virtual Educational Programs

Do you or someone you love have lupus? Join one or more of these FREE programs:  teleconference, support group, or Rally for Lupus. You will learn directly from lupus experts and will have ample time to submit questions ahead of each program.

Register for the program you would like to participate.

Help Us In Our Fight

At the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter, all people affected by lupus are at the forefront of everything we do - even more so during these unprecedented times, Requests for support and information have tripled over the last month, creating a need for more resources. Please consider donating today to ensure we can meet this increased demand and assist as many people affected by lupus as possible.

Donate to help us continue

Your contribution truly makes a difference in the lives of people affected by lupus.
Thank you for your support!


Facebook Fundraiser 

Facebook fundraisers are an easy way to support the LFA/Lone Star Chapter. Click on the link below and follow the steps. The fundraiser you create will show up on your Facebook account so all your friends can donate to a worthy cause you care about. Don't stop there, make sure you post your Facebook fundraiser on all social media outlets. 

FUNDRAISE TODAY


Donate When Shopping

Here are some ideas to give back to the LFA/Lone Star Chapter while you shop. These stores provide a small percentage of your purchase back to our Chapter. Try AmazonSmile when shopping online. Do you shop at Kroger or Tom Thumb? Shopping at these places supports our Mission.


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Lupus Foundation of America,
Lone Star Chapter
14675 Midway Road, Suite 201
Addison, Texas 75001
Main (469) 374-0590
San Antonio office (210) 651-9480
Toll-Free (866) 205-2369
lupuslonestar.org


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