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February 2023 

A Letter from the President

I hope this email finds you well and safe.

I don't know about you, but i think winter is best with a bit of sunshine streaming through my curtains.  To me, it means spring is right around the corner.  We all know what spring brings - LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH!

We're busy planning activities to increase awareness about lupus and look forward to sharing those ideas with you.

Plus, this year we're celebrating our 50th anniversary! So Lupus Awareness Month should be extra important this year.

Thanks to everyone who has provided their memories of LSI over the years.  We are sharing those in communications and online.  if you have a memory, a photo or just want to congratulate us, you can do so here.

Today, we share a volunteer's memory courtesy of Anita.  If you've been to a Lupus Walk or LSI educational event, you've probably seen her.  We're grateful for her memory and we look forward to reading yours!

Our first educational event of the year is coming up in April!  The Empowering Lupus Patient Educational Event is back and we're excited about this year's event.  All of our live educational events have built in time to allow participants to network.  LSI events are a great way to build your lupus network!

One of our presenters at the Empowering Lupus Patient Educational Event, Dr. Irene Blanco, shared an article with us.  Be sure to read "The Role of Lupus Patient Support".

Save the Dates for our 2023 Lupus Walks!  These fun, family friendly events are sure to be bigger and better this year!

In 50 years, we've come so far.  Together, we've made a difference.

Mary 

Lupus Article

Irene Blanco, MD, MS

The Role of Lupus Patient Support 

Lupus can have long-term consequences on patients’ lives as it typically affects people when they are younger and in what are their most productive years work- and school-wise. This can then affect how long a patient goes to school or work and if they can work full-time or part-time, if at all. Therefore, lupus has a major impact on a patient’s career and earning potential. 

Full Article

EDUCATIONAL EVENT

Saint Xavier University
WAC L203, Butler Reception Room; 3700 West 103rd St.
Chicago, IL 60655  

COST: FREE

 

Empowering Lupus Patient Educational Event
Saturday, April 15, 2023  |  9:30am-1:30pm

9:30am - Registration/Check in

10:00am - Lupus, Pregnancy and Contraception, Presented by Dr. Irene Blanco

11:00am - Break

11:15am - Lupus & Exercise, Presented by Richard Mebane

12:15am - Break

12:30pm - LSI’s Lupus Navigator: Frequently Asked Questions, Presented by: Mari Gonzalez 

Each presentation is 45 minutes long and includes a Q&A.
2 breaks are included.
Refreshments will be served

 

ASSOCIATE BOARD EVENT

 

SOLD OUT!

LSI ASSOCIATE BOARD SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH THE CHICAGO BULLS 
Sunday March 5, 2023 @ 2:30pm

This event is a social event  hosted by the LSI Associate Board, this is not a fundraiser. 

Ticket prices are subject to increase as we get closer to the event date. We suggest everyone buys their tickets sooner than later. 

Please wear purple, your AB shirts (if you have one) or an LSI shirt. The purpose of this event is to raise lupus awareness while having fun!

Gates open at 1pm, game starts at 2:30. 

More Info/Buy Your Tickets

 

ILLINOIS LUPUS WALKS - SAVE THE DATES!

Western Suburbs Lupus Walk
Naperville August 12, 2023

Chicago Walk & Fun Run - Lincoln Park
September 30, 2023 

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

A Volunteer Remembers 

I’ve been volunteering with the LSI for years.  The last few years I’ve helped out at the walks as a face painter.  I love the kids reactions once they see themselves in the mirror.  The projects are always different.  I’m learning while I’m giving my time.  What I love most is advocating for lupus.  When I was at my worst and first diagnosed with lupus in 2014, the LSI was here for me, when no one else was.  I love volunteering for the LSI because its my way of giving back.

-Anita

Share your own memories on Social Media (use #LSI50) or on our website here.

LUPUS CHARITY RUNNERS

We've already started recruiting for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Since 2007, LSI has had a team in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  We are so proud of our runners and honored by the runners who have joined our team over and over again!  

If you are looking for a guaranteed spot in the marathon, join Lupus Charity Runners!  Guaranteed spots come with a fundraising minimum.

If you have a spot in the race, join Lupus Charity Runners and get ALL of the benefits with NO fundraising minimum!

When you run for Lupus Charity Runners, we are with you every step of the way!  Team members get:

  • Training to help you complete the Bank of America Chicago Marathon safely!
  • 2 tickets to the pre-marathon pasta party!  
  • LSI Water Bottle + goodies! 
  • Lupus Charity Runner singlet! 
  • Additional fundraising incentives for exceeding your goal! 
  • Receive personalized fundraising webpage to help you reach your fundraising goal!
  • LCR fundraising guide, creative tips and one-on-one assistance to help you reach your goal! 
  • Exhilaration of doing good for others while doing well for yourself! 

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Fatigue & Lupus

A major problem for people living with lupus is fatigue – chronic debilitating fatigue that significantly decreases quality of life and increases the risk of work disability.

How does someone manage fatigue?  Finding strategies that work for you and for lupus patients in general is the purpose of the Lupus Intervention Fatigue Trial (LIFT).  

MORE

Lupus Clinical Trial Opportunity

If you have lupus, you may qualify.  
• Do you have active lupus that is not responding to your current medications?
• Are you between the ages of 18-65?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial testing if a new type of cellular therapy is effective and safe in treating active lupus.

MORE

SUPPORT GROUP UPDATE

New Support Group Meeting Dates Listed

Ever thought of joining a Lupus Support Group?  Start planning now!  Groups are virtual and some meet in person.  Our Support Group Leaders are Lupus Warriors.

Please contact Lisa at lisa@lupusil.org or 312-542-0006 to find the group that best fits your schedule. Click here for a link to LSI's volunteer run Support Groups!

 

312-542-0002 | info@lupusil.org 
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