Jenny’s Notebook: Many Paths to Awareness

Another successful Lupus Awareness Month has come to a close. And what a month it has been!

First was our National Butterfly Gala on May 8, here in the Nation’s Capital. With friends old and new we gathered to recognize the tireless efforts of special individuals in supporting the Foundation’s mission, including the co-chairs of the newly created Congressional Lupus Caucus. See photos of the honorees (and the beautiful purple-lit venue) here.

Then, on May 10, World Lupus Day, came a first for our organization: the LFA President and CEO, joined by supporters and advocates, rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to draw attention to the massive economic burden for people who live lupus. I think it would have been really cool to be there for that - but you can watch the video now!

And Put On Purple Day on May 18? What fun! The LFA office staff, along with volunteers and staff from the LFA, DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter, posed in the lunchroom to show off our purple.

For more photos from Put On Purple Day, please visit our Web site.

This month, our Web site had record-breaking numbers of hits, plus our national network of awesome local chapters put on tons of special activities to help raise awareness. Without them and their thousands of dedicated volunteers, where would we be?

For my part, I was able to display Lupus Now® magazines and lupus fact sheets at the community center where I volunteer once a week. I talked to lots of people there about our work here at the LFA (and of course bragged about the magazine). What I didn’t expect, though, was how empowering it would feel.

All in all, while everyone involved with the LFA may be a little bit worn out, it’s invigorating to learn about all the activities that took place around the country. And not just here in the U.S.—lupus awareness activities took place throughout the world; check it out at www.worldlupusday.org.

If you helped spread awareness during the month of May, we want to say, “Thank you!” Every person who learned about lupus through your efforts makes all of us stronger.

I remain,
Your tired but appreciative correspondent,
Jenny