When Shelley Shuttlesworth found out she had lupus, the first thing she did was enlist a friend and go check out a local fundraising walk with the Lupus Research Alliance.

“I had absolutely no idea what we were literally walking into but figured it would be worth a try.”

She was welcomed with open arms and is still Walking with Us to Cure Lupus more than 20 years later. Now virtually synonymous with the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) and the local community of providers, advocates, and people with lupus, Shelley works closely with the organization to lead the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus event in Dallas – raising thousands every year.

Fostering a Community

When Shelley took her first steps at that Walk, she immediately felt support in meeting others who were coping with the same disease. And the empowering feeling of joining a warm, committed community.

Now, she cultivates that same welcoming, fun vibe she remembers when she joined in so many years ago.

“There’s always at least 100 people at our Walk, yet every single one is a familiar face,” Shelley notes. “The Walk is a place where folks meet, connect, and exchange tips about living with lupus.”

Appreciating the effort it can take for people to devote a Saturday morning to walking outdoors, Shelley has found ways to meet the community where they are.

For example, because people with lupus don’t do well in the cold, the date is now earlier in the Fall when Dallas weather is typically dry and warm. It’s held in a friendly neighborhood park with options to walk shorter or longer routes. Pets are welcome – and Shelley even introduced a Halloween costume contest for furry friends which has become a big crowd pleaser.

“Shelley is the heart and soul of the Dallas Walk – as well as the arms and legs,” described Joanne Golombos, Development Manager at the Lupus Research Alliance. “Every Walker is greeted by her bright smile that says you are in the right place. Shelley’s presence reminds each person that you will find community here while helping free the world of lupus through the power of research.”

In addition to the Walk, each year, Shelley marshals her team of devoted family and friends to host another highly successful fundraiser – the Win or Brews – a silent auction and beer tasting at the local Peticolas Brewing Company Taproom in Dallas. Again, fun is the key ingredient to an event people fly in from around the country to attend.

While very gratified that the Walk and her fundraiser provide a way for people to find support and connection, Shelley is proud to see her community come together to fundraise for the Lupus Research Alliance to make the best research possible – all with the hopes of finding new therapies and one day, a cure.

“There is no other organization so absolutely dedicated to helping people with lupus by doing what they do best – identifying the most promising research projects and providing the necessary resources to turn theories into therapeutics,” Shelley said. “I am determined to raise money to make that research possible.”

A Team, An Inspiration

Shelley has never wanted to let her friends see her any differently since having lupus. And for the most part, they see what she presents to the world – a strong, independent woman working in a full-time career, ready to travel, up for socializing, always there for them.

But her friends have found their best way to be there for her – to help and support her work with the Lupus Research Alliance.

“When I get on that microphone at Win or Brews, and I’m able to thank all my friends and family for being there, I feel very lucky to have so many people willing to give up a Friday night to show up, to pitch in behind the scenes.

“It takes a team, and I am lucky to have them on mine!”

Shelley recognizes that among those living with lupus, her journey has been relatively smooth. She has learned how to listen to her body, to exercise daily, when she needs to eat healthfully – and when it’s okay to eat her beloved Mexican food.

With that energy, Shelley remains focused on giving back to the cause that brought her in two decades ago – while inspiring others wherever they are in their lupus journey.

Her advice?

“I want everyone to know that lupus doesn’t have to control your story – your life may look a little different, but you can still chase your dreams.”