Welcome To The Lupus And Me Foundation
We are a foundation dedicated to supporting individuals living with lupus and related invisible autoimmune conditions. Inspired by real-life experiences, our mission is clear: to inform, uplift, and empower everyone affected by these often misunderstood illnesses.
Through reliable information, accessible resources, and compassionate support, we aim to make the journey through diagnosis, treatment, and daily life a little easier to navigate. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing long-term symptoms, or caring for someone with these conditions, this is a place where you are truly seen and understood.
At Lupus and Me, your story matters. Your voice inspires change. Together, we’re shaping a future defined by compassion, perseverance, and hope.
Our Story
Lupus & Me was created out of a deeply personal journey, our founder’s battle with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that has touched nearly every organ in her body. Her experience includes lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation), joint and muscle pain, recurring rashes, blood clotting issues, chronic fatigue, debilitating migraines, and neurological flares just a few of the many symptoms she’s endured. Throughout the unpredictable cycle of mild flares and life-threatening crises, she discovered just how isolating and overwhelming life with an autoimmune condition can be. Lupus & Me was born from that experience, with a mission to turn pain into purpose and connection.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), these attacks can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood vessels.
Symptoms often appear in flares periods where illness intensifies followed by periods of remission / stability. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue, fevers, and muscle aches (often described as “flu-like”)
- Joint pain and swelling, sometimes resembling rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin rashes, particularly the signature “butterfly” rash across the cheeks and nose
- Kidney complications, including lupus nephritis, which can lead to kidney failure
- Neurological symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, memory issues, and seizures
Autoimmune Diseases: The Bigger Picture
Lupus is just one of over 80 recognised autoimmune diseases. While each condition targets different organs or systems, all stem from the same issue: an immune system that turns against the body. Other autoimmune conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Some people may experience mild symptoms and manage them effectively for years. Others face rapid, life-altering disease progression. Understanding this wide spectrum is key to supporting those affected.
Why We Exist
At Lupus & Me, our mission is clear:
1. Raise Awareness :
We strive to educate the public about how serious, complex, and widespread lupus and other invisible autoimmune illnesses truly are.
2. Share Resources:
From the latest medical research to practical tips for managing everyday mental and physical health, we’re here to provide support that’s easy to access and truly equips you on your journey.
1. Raise Awareness:
We strive to educate the public about how serious, complex, and widespread lupus and other invisible autoimmune illnesses truly are.
2. Share Resources:
From the latest medical research to practical tips for managing everyday mental and physical health, we’re here to provide support that’s easy to access and truly equips you on your journey.
3. Build Community:
Our Promise
Lupus & Me: My Story
I am Dee, founder of Lupus and Me. After my systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis, I embarked on a challenging medical journey. What began as joint pain and ongoing fatigue evolved into multiple organ involvement, additional autoimmune diagnoses, persistent skin rashes and wounds, and daily uncertainty, all while I appeared outwardly “fine.”
Autoimmune diseases are often invisible but their impact is profound. The unrelenting pain, emotional strain, and social isolation they cause frequently go unrecognised .
My own experience has taught me that each flare though unpredictable offers lessons in patience, compassion, and resilience.
Throughout this journey, my faith has been my constant anchor. In my weakest moments, I have turned to Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This promise reminds me that I am defined not by my illness, but by the strength and purpose it has cultivated. Faith doesn’t take the struggle away, but it gives me the strength to rise again each day with hope in my heart and gratitude in my soul. I truly believe I was given this battle to be a voice, a light, and a testimony to others facing the same fight. To anyone walking through their own autoimmune journey: hold on to what grounds you. For me, it’s faith. For you, it might be something else. But know this, you are never alone.
That’s why I created Lupus and Me. This isn’t just about raising awareness for lupus, it’s about shining a light on all autoimmune diseases. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and understood. It’s about reminding the world that invisible illnesses are still very real. Through Lupus and Me, we hope to build a community of compassion, provide educational resources, support those affected, and help drive funding toward better research and treatment. Because no one fighting an invisible illness should ever feel invisible themselves.
💜 Support Our Mission
Your gift brings hope.
At Lupus and Me, we’re dedicated to raising awareness, sharing real stories, and supporting those living with lupus. Your donation helps us continue creating resources, advocating for better care, and building a community that uplifts and empowers.
We’d Love to Hear From You
Your voice matters. Whether you have a question, feedback, or simply want to connect, please complete the form below. A member of our team will get back to you shortly. Thank you for reaching out and being part of the Lupus and Me community.