A Letter from the President I hope this email finds you well and safe. Welcome 2023! This year, LSI celebrates 50 years of service to Illinois' lupus community. As you can imagine, we are very excited about this milestone. In 1973, a group of volunteers got together to improve the lives of people with lupus. At the time, lupus was even less understood than it is now, there were no drugs FDA approved to treat lupus and there was no place for people with lupus or their families to turn. Now, nearly 50 years later, the LSI is here, with financial assistance, support groups, communications and accurate information to serve the lupus community. The Lupus Navigator is available to help people with lupus and their families with lupus-related concerns. And, thanks to the LSI's advocacy and partnering with national advocacy groups, and pharmaceutical companies, there are multiple FDA approved lupus drugs. We've come so far. Together, we've made a difference. And we want to celebrate together as we continue to serve the lupus community. We want to hear your stories about the last 50 years! What has your lupus journey been like? When did you discover the LSI? How has the lupus-landscape changed since lupus entered your life? Share your photos, memories and stories on social media (use #LSI50) or on our website here. It's important to look back as together we move forward. Together we make a difference. Mary | 
