Thriving beyond lupus

THE LUPUS Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) has officially launched Lupus Awareness Month (LAM) 2025. The event marked the beginning of a month-long series of activities dedicated to raising national awareness, fostering education, and building support for persons living with lupus.

Lupus Awareness Month is dedicated to engaging the Jamaican public in education, advocacy, and support for persons affected by lupus. Through this campaign, LFJ continues its mission of improving the lives of lupus patients by promoting early diagnosis, reducing stigma, supporting research, and providing vital patient support services.

The launch featured impactful addresses from medical experts, patient advocates, and motivational voices, reinforcing the importance of awareness, compassion, and early detection in the fight against lupus.

Dr Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, highlighted the global and regional impact of lupus in her remarks. “Lupus actually affects up to five million people around the world with 90 per cent of the individuals being female, and the individuals who are typically affected are of African descent,” Dr Henry said.

Adding a message of encouragement and resilience, Chantaeu Munroe, keynote speaker, faith-based certified trauma-informed coach, author, and chief executive officer and founder of CKM Healing Consultancy, reminded lupus warriors of the importance of self-awareness and support systems.

“To lupus warriors, learning about your body brings comprehensibility, manageability, is having a strong medical team support and network while having faith, family, and service gives meaning,” Munroe said.

The event was made possible through the generous support of National, the platinum sponsor, with additional sponsorship from Barita Investments, JN Bank, IPrint Digital, GraceKennedy, and SB Events.

The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica is a non-profit, membership-based organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by lupus through education, advocacy, and patient support.

Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks. This occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.

Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there is no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.

As October unfolds, LFJ encourages Jamaicans to wear purple, join the upcoming LAM activities, and stand in solidarity with lupus warriors across the island. The foundation continues to provide resources, advocacy, and support to improve the quality of life for those living with this chronic autoimmune disease.