Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects thousands of individuals across the country. It can impact multiple parts of the body and cause severe internal damage. There isn’t a cure for this disease, and it imposes a significant emotional and financial toll on family members of people with Lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) Georgia Chapter supports everyone affected by this issue. The organization offers assistance to those in need through various channels. May is Lupus Awareness Month, and the organization has planned activities for the rest of the month to allow locals to show their support for the Lupus community.
“We should all care about this because anybody can get lupus. We should serve those who need to be served, and lupus is a very underserved population,” said Teri Emond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.
The Lupus Foundation of America Georgia Chapter has been serving the community since 1978. Through advocacy, fundraising, and research, the organization has provided support to those dealing with the disease and their family members. In observance of Lupus Awareness Month in May, the chapter organized several events. On Saturday, May 18, the chapter hosted a Lupus walk in Augusta, GA, where Morehouse School of Medicine presented the latest research on Lupus. Additionally, Georgia chapter members traveled to Washington, D.C., from May 19 to May 21 to advocate for more funding for Lupus research at the national advocacy summit.
The foundation’s main message is to assure those battling Lupus that they are not alone and to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease until a cure is found.
When you come to our support group, leave your troubles at the door. Lupus is not always manageable; for some, it’s chronic. It’s a cruel mystery, but we are dedicated to solving it,” said Emond.
Lupus is a severe disease because it causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in various parts of the body. This results in inflammation, pain, and damage to any organ system. Despite the efforts of foundations and organizations to educate people about Lupus, it is still widely misunderstood. Unfortunately, the disease disproportionately affects women and minority groups the most.
“Lupus predominantly affects young people in their childbearing years. It is three to five times more likely in minority populations. Dr. Sam Lim, from Emory University, one of the top rheumatologists in the country, stated that Black people bear the burden of the disease. They experience more severe symptoms and are affected more frequently,” said Emond.
Lupus treatment can be expensive. According to the Lupus Foundation, the costs for a diagnosis can range from $13,000 to $68,000. Emond and the team at LFA Georgia are aware of these challenges and provide assistance by covering certain costs for individuals with lupus. This support ensures that no one has to choose between paying their bills and meeting their living expenses.
“We have an emergency financial assistance fund because we don’t want someone living with lupus to have to choose between paying the light bill and going to the doctor. It is a $500 grant available per grant period. We pay the vendors directly to cover utility bills or provide a hotel room if someone with lupus is homeless,” said Emond.
LFA Georgia is working to raise awareness for lupus by highlighting individuals affected by the condition. Their new campaign, “31 Faces of Hope,” shares the stories of people with lupus on the organization’s website and social media platforms. This initiative ensures that individuals like Monique Thornton are recognized.
Monique Thornton was a dedicated volunteer and advocate who spearheaded this campaign. Sadly, she passed away from Lupus just three days before our walk on April 24. Her husband attended the walk and spoke about the importance of the initiative. We are continuing the campaign in her memory,” said Emond.
Lupus is a life-altering illness that marks the beginning of a long-term health struggle. LFA Georgia ensures that individuals commencing this fight are not alone.