THE Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) is proud to celebrate World Lupus Day on May 10, 2023 under the theme ‘Make Lupus Visible’.

This is an international event that takes place annually and aims to raise awareness about this debilitating autoimmune disease which affects both men and women of all ages. The LFJ will host its annual series of events and initiatives to spread knowledge about lupus and its effects.

“World Lupus Day is a special day for us at LFJ as we recognise the struggles and triumphs of thousands of people living with lupus in Jamaica,” said Dr Desiree Tulloch-Reid, president of the LFJ. “We are committed to providing resources, support and encouragement to individuals impacted by lupus, their families and caregivers.”

To kick off the World Lupus Day campaign the LFJ will be hosting Strides for Lupus, a walk event across the island from 10-11 am, followed by the free LFJ Health Fair at Emancipation Park 11 am-3 pm. The fair will feature free health checks and demonstrations; special guests and speakers discussing topics related to lupus in Jamaica; and an outside broadcast by Riddim FM. People who cannot attend are encouraged to participate in the social media campaign and share stories about how lupus has affected their lives.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys and brain. It can cause extreme fatigue, resulting in difficulty with everyday activities such as walking or working. Symptoms vary from person to person, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes leading to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all.

The LFJ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping those living with lupus in Jamaica. In addition to providing services through its resource centre they educate physicians and other health-care professionals about lupus through their outreach programme, providing free public seminars and webinars throughout the year which offer information about symptoms management, treatment options, as well as provide a platform for sharing stories among peers living with lupus.

“It’s important that Jamaicans understand what lupus is so that proper diagnosis can be made early and treatment can begin sooner,” said Dr Tulloch-Reid. “Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes for those suffering from lupus.”

The LFJ encourages everyone to join them in celebrating World Lupus Day by wearing purple – the colour associated with lupus awareness. Finally, the LFJ has set up a donation page for those who would like to contribute financially towards their cause. All donations go directly towards supporting patients and finding better treatments for those living with lupus in Jamaica. To learn more, visit https://www.lupusfoundationofjamaica.wildapricot.org.

“This World Lupus Day, we invite everyone around the world to join us in our fight against this debilitating disease,” said Dr Tulloch-Reid. “By working together we can make sure that no one living with lupus feels forgotten or alone.”