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June 2023 

A Letter from the President

I hope this email finds you well and safe.

July 4th is next week and that means summer is in full swing.  We hope you are all taking special care during the air quality challenges we've faced.

Many of you have received our new printed newsletter in the mail.  We're very proud of this publication that we plan to publish three times a year.  The newsletter will be posted online when the next newsletter is in the mail so everyone will have access to the articles and information.

If you are interested in receiving the newsletter to your home, you can become a member here or call us at 312-542-0002.

LSI's next Facebook Live event is coming up on July 11, 2023 and features a conversation with Madeline Handley, a lupus warrior who was diagnosed with lupus 8 years ago and has transitioned to a successful college student.  Navigating lupus is challenging at any age, making the transition from childhood lupus to adulthood has its own unique obstacles.  Madeline's story and experiences will be inspriational regardless of your age and we hope you'll be able to attend.

LSI is only able to provide Facebook Live events thanks to the success of our Illinois Lupus Walks.  Illinois Lupus Walks are a great way to raise awareness about lupus and support LSI's mission.  We are looking forward to the team
t-shirt contests, DJ Rick, and the entire lupus community coming together! We look forward to seeing you there.

We are still looking for your memories!  As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we want to hear from you!  Take a moment to share your recollections with us online here or post it on social media using #LSI50!

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

Mary 

Lupus Awareness Month
Kim Des Biens

I was first diagnosed with SLE in 1990. I had numerous tests before the official diagnosis. I had a very tough time with my health due to 
lupus for decades. 

In 2006, after years of serious flares and health issues due to my lupus, I received a kidney transplant with my brother Todd, being the donor.

FULL STORY 

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Madeline Handley

Transitioning to College as a Lupus Patient Facebook Live Event 
July 11 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Madeline Handley is a third-year Molecular Biology student at Colgate University, who has learned how to navigate a college environment whilst managing lupus. Transitioning from high school to college allows one to gain a newfound sense of independence in their lives, which can present a plethora of challenges to face and overcome. Dealing with a chronic illness such as lupus presents unique stressors in addition to these challenges, which can cause additional burden to patients. However, there are strategies young patients can utilize to prevent lupus from interfering in their pursuit of a healthy and successful college career. In this livestream, Madeline will present unique challenges related to lupus that she’s faced whilst transitioning to being a student at Colgate University and discuss the methods she’s used to overcome these and succeed during her time at school.

EDUCATIONAL EVENT WRAP UP

Watch Facebook Live Educational Events!
(Click the image to watch a recording of the presentation)

Reverend Dr. Shirley Brummell presented on her research into Lupus & Resilience.

The Rush Lupus Clinic doctors Dr. Nika & Dr. Cherny, answered your questions!  

Resources for the Lupus Community - Facebook Live
 

Spanish Language Educational Event

On June 15, 2023, LSI hosted our annual Spanish Language Educational Event at Casa Michoacan.  Dr. Irene Blanco presented to about 35 participants.  

Then LSI's own Mari Gonzalez presented on Resources for Lupus Patients.  

The event was well received and (like all of LSI's events!) an opportunity to meet others in the lupus community.

The event was sponsored by:

 
 

ILLINOIS LUPUS WALKS - REGISTER TODAY!

New year, new Illinois Lupus Walk incentive prizes!  Check out the new items on our walk websites!
www.lupuswalkil.org

Western Suburbs Lupus Walk
Naperville - August 12, 2023
9:00am – Registration
10:00am – Walk Starts

Chicago Walk & Fun Run  
Lincoln Park - September 30, 2023 
8:30am – Registration
10:00am – Walk Starts

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Share your photos, memories and congratulations!  We're celebrating our 50th anniversary and we want to hear from YOU!  Share your stories, photos or just congratulations here!

Happy Anniversary!

Thank you for all you do!

Congratulations to an AMAZING ORGNANIZATION!

Visit our website here and share!

LUPUS CHARITY RUNNERS

Are you Running the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
Join Lupus Charity Runners!

All of our RUNNERS receive the following benefits:

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! 

CREATIVE FUNDRAISING

Lupus Warrior and Mrs. Illinois, Alicia Stevens at the Kendra Scott Event

 

Kendra Scott Jewelry Fundraiser

Thanks to everyone at Kendra Scott for hosting a fundraiser benefitting the LSI.  LSI's Lisa Klaslo attended the event in Old Orchard - and Mrs. Illinois stopped by!

The event donated a portion of proceeds to LSI.

Thank you!

 

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

Dr. Ramsey-Goldman (in red) with Chris and her Glenview Support Group

Support Group Meeting Update

Dr. Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman presented at the Glenview Support Group in May.  Support Group Leader Chris said, "It was very interesting!  I did share her information with the rest of the group [who couldn't attend] in an email with links to more information. My group, small as it was, seemed very interested in what Dr. Ramsey-Goldman presented."

Thanks, Chris, for all you do!

For more information about LSI's volunteer run support groups or Dr. Ramsey-Goldman's presentation, please contact Lisa at 312-542-0002 or lisa@lupusil.org.

 

312-542-0002 | info@lupusil.org 
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