Supporting Lupus Patients by Making Lupus Visible
NORM proudly supports lupus patients and the Lupus Foundation, and we honor the rheumatologists who care for them every day. In May, communities across the country come together to recognize Lupus Awareness Month — a time dedicated to increasing understanding, supporting those living with lupus, and advocating for better care and research. On May 10, the global community also recognizes World Lupus Day, encouraging individuals, organizations, and healthcare advocates to “Put on Purple” and help make lupus visible.
So NORM members, put on your purple and bring awareness of lupus to your staff. As we know Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs. Because symptoms can vary greatly from person to person — including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation — lupus is often called an “invisible illness.” This is not just one month but a life-time for those that live with lupus.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate communities, amplify patient voices, and inspire action through advocacy, fundraising, and awareness campaigns. This year’s initiatives encourage supporters to “Make Lupus Visible” by sharing stories, participating in awareness activities, and spreading educational resources.
The World Lupus Federation and its World Lupus Day Toolkit provide simple but powerful ways for individuals and organizations to participate, including:
- Wearing purple to show solidarity
- Sharing lupus facts and personal stories on social media
- Using hashtags like #WorldLupusDay and #MakeLupusVisible
- Lighting local landmarks in purple
- Hosting educational and fundraising events
- Encouraging conversations about invisible illnesses
The Lupus Foundation of America also offers a comprehensive Lupus Awareness Month Toolkit filled with downloadable graphics, educational materials, sample social media posts, and advocacy resources to help communities raise awareness throughout May.
Healthcare organizations, employers, advocacy groups, and community leaders all play an important role in supporting people affected by lupus. Raising awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis, improved access to care, increased research funding, and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.
This Lupus Awareness Month, take a moment to learn more, share resources, wear purple, and support those living with lupus every day. Together, we can help make lupus visible and create a future filled with greater understanding, hope, and progress.
To learn more and access awareness resources, visit the Lupus Foundation of America and the World Lupus Day . We encourage you to review all the support available to our Lupus patients with your patients and staff. They have resources for understanding insurance, coping with Lupus and for caregivers of our lupus patients.