This May, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the largest non-governmental private funder of lupus research, will shine a spotlight on lupus awareness and action as Lupus Awareness Month (LAM) kicks off. With a mission to educate, inspire, and connect, the LRA will lead efforts to raise awareness about lupus, empower individuals to take action, and unite the community
Lupus is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system triggers attacks on the body’s own cells, leading to inflammation and damage of vital organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and skin. Despite its widespread impact, the disease remains under-recognized. That’s why this year’s theme, “Striving for a World Free of Lupus,” is a call to action for everyone to contribute in powerful ways to help eradicate lupus.
Tremendous strides are well underway, but much work remains to be done to deliver much-needed individualized treatment options and ultimately, one day a cure.
“A world free of lupus is not just a vision — it’s a goal we are working toward together,” said Albert T. Roy, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. “Through scientific innovation and collaboration, we can accelerate progress and achieve meaningful impact. Lupus Awareness Month is our opportunity to amplify this mission, inspire action, and engage the lupus community.
Accelerating Lupus Research: Partnering to Broaden Awareness
Ali VanderLoop, who has lupus, and her husband Ty Majeski, 2024 NASCAR Truck Series Champion, are teaming up with ThorSport Racing and the LRA to launch a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for lupus research.
The Accelerating Lupus Research initiative will get into full gear at the Texas Motor Speedway during the NASCAR Truck Series race on May 2. Throughout the month, Ty will wear custom-designed race shoes representing the LRA and the fight against lupus. The shoes will later be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting LRA’s efforts to find a cure
Educating About Lupus
Throughout the month, the experiences of people living with lupus will be shared on the LRA digital platforms. The organization will share resources to raise awareness of the disease and the challenges it poses, featuring stories of accomplishments and opportunities that help achieve the ultimate goal – a world free of lupus.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in this movement and let their voices be heard by using the new LRA Lupus Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit. The toolkit offers sample posts, images, and content that can be easily shared to raise awareness and show support. Special emphasis is placed on World Lupus Day (May 10), which brings global attention to the need for continued research and funding.
The LRA is also excited to invite lupus supporters to participate in the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus events in New Jersey (May 17) and Michigan (June 14). These family-friendly events are designed to raise awareness, foster community connections, and fundraise for lupus research.
Exploring New Frontiers in Lupus Treatment
In a major educational effort, the LRA will host a virtual webinar May 1 in collaboration with Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the LRA. This session will focus specifically on T cell engagers, an emerging cell therapy.
Driving Innovation: Scientific Collaboration
The LRA is also facilitating important scientific discussions to push the boundaries of lupus research. This includes sponsoring a key session at the 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025), where leading researchers will share groundbreaking findings and collaborate on new strategies for combating lupus.
Advocating for Change: On Capitol Hill
The LRA is amplifying its advocacy efforts with a briefing at the U.S. Capitol to engage Congress on key issues related to lupus and public health policy. This briefing will underscore the need for increased investments in lupus research and biomedical advancements, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in treatment and care.
About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system, meant to defend against infections, produces autoantibodies that mistake the body’s own cells as foreign, causing other immune cells to attack organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and skin, as well as blood and joints. Ninety percent of people with lupus are women, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-45. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected by lupus and more likely to experience severe lupus symptoms.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.
For more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at LupusResearch.org and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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Media Contact:
Margy Meislin
MMeislin@lupusresearch.org
