Lupus Research Alliance Takes Action in May for Lupus Awareness Month
This May marks another opportunity for the
Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) to promote awareness for lupus as it kicks off
Lupus Awareness Month (LAM). The LRA is the largest non-governmental private funder of lupus research, dedicated to shedding light on this complex autoimmune disease and its substantial impact on millions worldwide.
Lupus is a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, potentially leading to damage in vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and skin. Despite its prevalence, many still lack an understanding of its effects, necessitating the theme this year:
Striving for a World Free of Lupus. This slogan serves as an urgent call for unified efforts in the fight against lupus.
Embracing Community Action
One of the highlights of this year's awareness campaign is a partnership with
Ali Vanderloop, a lupus patient, and her husband,
Ty Majeski, the
2024 NASCAR Truck Series Champion. They are collaborating with
ThorSport Racing to launch a month-long initiative aimed at educating the public and generating funds for lupus research.
The
Accelerating Lupus Research endeavor will notably unfold during the
NASCAR Truck Series race on May 2 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Uniquely designed race shoes adorned with the LRA's branding will be worn by Ty, who will auction them off following the event to raise funds for ongoing research efforts.
Sharing Powerful Stories
Throughout the course of the month, the LRA will use its digital platforms to highlight personal stories from individuals living with lupus. These narratives aim to illuminate the daily challenges faced by patients while showcasing positive milestones the community has achieved.
This initiative is further supported by the new
LRA Lupus Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit, which provides ready-to-use posts and visuals that supporters can share to amplify awareness. The toolkit places significant emphasis on
World Lupus Day on May 10, encouraging everyone to partake in the global movement for continued research and funding of lupus-related initiatives.
Engaging Events and Educational Opportunities
The organization invites the public to join the
Walk with Us to Cure Lupus events planned in
New Jersey on
May 17 and
Michigan on
June 14. These family-oriented gatherings aim to foster community bonds while funding research that furthers the ultimate goal of finding a cure for lupus.
Additionally, on May 1, the LRA will host a virtual webinar in collaboration with
Lupus Therapeutics, focusing on innovative therapies, particularly examining T cell engagers. This educational effort is crucial for understanding emerging treatments that could significantly impact patients’ lives.
Advancing Scientific Collaboration
The LRA is making significant strides in promoting scientific discourse by sponsoring a pivotal session at the
16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025). Here, prominent researchers will present pioneering findings and explore collaborative strategies to enhance lupus research.
Advocacy Efforts for Increased Funding
In parallel with these initiatives, the LRA is intensifying its advocacy work, organizing a briefing at the
U.S. Capitol to underline essential issues surrounding lupus healthcare and public policy. The purpose of this briefing is to push for increased investments in lupus research and technological advancements that promise to change the landscape of treatment and patient care.
Understanding Lupus: A Patient's Experience
Lupus is characterized by the body's immune system making a grave error—misidentifying its own cells as threats, leading to a damaging attack that can seriously affect organs like the kidneys, heart, and skin. It is a disease that predominantly affects women (90%), typically diagnosed between ages 15 to 45, with significant disparateness observed among various demographics including
Black,
Latinx,
Indigenous, and
Asian communities, who experience more severe symptoms.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The LRA stands as the foremost non-profit organization funding lupus research globally, committed to transforming treatment paradigms through innovative research funding. With a promise that all donations directly support lupus research initiatives, the organization's mission extends beyond awareness—it is about paving the path toward better diagnostics, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure for lupus. For more information or to support lupus research, visit
Lupus Research Alliance.