Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Rallies Local Communities to Make Lupus Visible for Lupus Awareness Month

HOUSTON, TX -- The Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is leading an effort to make lupus visible throughout May for Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus Warriors, volunteers, and supporters will rally local communities 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, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat,” said Anne Marie Blacketer, 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 impacts 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 be shining light on some of the invisible impacts of lupus, including the symptoms and diagnosis, the effect of lupus on the body and quality of life, and the importance of research and clinical trials.

There are many ways to get involved and Make Lupus Visible throughout May:


• Participate in the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter’s Walk to End Lupus NOW on Saturday, May 7, at Texas Southern University. Kennetra “Kiki” Searcy, Miss Black USA 2017, Lupus Warrior, is serving as this year’s chair.

• Raise awareness of lupus by sharing facts and resources using the Lupus Foundation of America’s awareness toolkit.

Celebrate World Lupus Day on May 10 by wearing purple, whether it’s your favorite purple clothing item or accessory, and share with friends and family why raising lupus awareness is important to you.

Donate to support lupus research, education programs, and support services.

“With the support of the lupus community, including Lupus Warriors, friends, and 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 lupus.”

For more information on Lupus Awareness Month and how to get involved, visit www.lupus.org/lam. For more information on the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast, visit https://www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.