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June 2022 

A Letter from the President

I know it’s a few days early, but we wanted to wish you a Happy Independence Day!

Summer is in full swing and we are looking forward to Lupus Walk Season.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to register by end of day today to receive an extra Vintage Lupus Walk T-shirt!

After 2 years of virtual events, we are THRILLED to gather with the Lupus community at these fun, family friendly and powerful events.

We’ve met so many of you through our Lupus Walks.  Then, we see many of you at educational events and other LSI sponsored activities.  We are so grateful for your support.

The Southern Suburbs Lupus Walk on July 30th will also include an option for folks who don’t want to get out of their cars.  Yes, we’ll have a “Park & Enjoy” option at this walk!

Walkers raising $100+ will receive a special t-shirt commemorating the event as well.

Be sure to register today!

Walks move our mission forward –  we couldn’t provide our outstanding services without funds raised through the Lupus Walk.  Speaking of which, be sure to register for one of our upcoming educational webinars: Discover A Different Treatment for Lupus Nephritis webinar on July 28th.

Like all of our educational events, these are FREE and open to the public! Find listings of all of our educational events here.

Today, we’re publishing the first in a series of articles on the History of Lupus.  We hope you enjoy this information on the origins of lupus.  We feel as if it highlights the life-saving advancements of lupus diagnosis and treatment.
We look forward to seeing you soon!  Thank you for your continued support.

Together we make a difference.

Mary

THE HISTORY OF LUPUS

CLASSICAL PERIOD

The lupus community has been fortunate to benefit from new drugs and treatments that have made a huge impact on the quality of life and longevity of patients.

How did lupus develop? When was it first diagnosed?

Let’s take a look at the history of lupus and see how far the science behind this disease has come.

FULL ARTICLE

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Alvin F. Wells, MD

Bringing the Fight to Lupus Nephritis
Thursday, July 28, 2022  |  6:00pm - 7:00pm
Presented by:  Dr. Alvin F. Wells

Lupus Nephritis is a disease involving inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus  (SLE).  In lupus nephritis, the kidneys cannot function properly to remove waste from the blood and control the amount of fluids in the body.

Ben Small, M.D.

Lupus, Anxiety & Depression 
Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 6:30pm
Presented by Dr. Ben Small

Most people with lupus report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some studies report rates of depression and anxiety twice as high in people with lupus as compared to the general population.  

Join us for this important presentation.

Alexandra Katz Small, M.D.

Lupus & Fibromyalgia 
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Presented by Dr. Alexandra Katz Small

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that can occur alone or secondary to connective tissue disorders such as lupus. Studies suggest that about 25% of people who have lupus also have fibromyalgia.  It is important for people who have lupus to learn about fibromyalgia because symptoms of both conditions can be similar, but the treatments are different. 

 

WEDNESDAY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK

 

LSI Introduced the "Wednesday Warrior of the Week" early this month.  Don't miss the Lupus Warriors highlighted weekly posted on social media and here, in the eNewsletter every month.

ILLINOIS LUPUS WALKS

Southern Suburbs Lupus Walk &
Cruisin' for Lupus

July 30, 2022
Prairie State College
9:00am - Fun Begins

2022 Western Suburbs Lupus Walk
August 13, 2022
Naperville Riverwalk, Grand Pavilion
9:00am – Registration Begins
10:00am – Walk Steps Off
 

2022 Chicago Illinois Lupus Walk
& Fun Run

September 18, 2022
Rowing Lagoon – Lincoln Park
8:30am – Registration Begins
10:00am – Walk Steps Off

Lupus Walk season has officially begun!  And we want you to join us - safely.

Here at Lupus Society of Illinois, our number one priority is to keep our employees, volunteers, and community safe.  For the last two years, we have hosted webinars and virtual activities.  We are excited to host LIVE Lupus Walk events!

And now we'd like to invite you, your families, and network of friends and colleagues to join in some fun and creativity by building your own personal fundraising pages for the Illinois Lupus Walks. 

Funds raised at the Lupus Walks go directly toward LSI's mission - like our upcoming Educational Events!

LUPUS CHARITY RUNNERS

 
 

Are you running the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon?

Join
Lupus Charity Runners!

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 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! 

2022 LUPUS WALK COMMITTES FORMING!

Don't miss this opportunity to leave your footprint on the 2022 Lupus Walks!

Here at LSI we are getting excited for the 2022 WALKS!!! We are looking for volunteers to join our walk committees. We will have a South suburban, Naperville, and Chicago walk. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Lisa at lisa@lupusil.org or 312-542-0006. Together we can make a difference. #lupus #lupusawareness #LSIcommunity #joinacommittee #💜

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!

COVID-19 RESOURCES & UPDATES

The LSI has led the lupus community through the COVID-19 crisis by providing expert educational information and providing factual information, including hosting 3 COVID-19 & the Lupus Community Web meetings with leading lupus doctors. You can watch the educational event below and the COVID-19 webpage here.

Click the image to access the Web Meeting with Dr. Ramsey-Goldman

Click the image to access the Web Meeting with Dr. Jolly

Click the image to access the Web Meeting with Dr. Katz

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Team Gayla's Gang

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).  

 

312-542-0002 | info@lupusil.org 
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