The Tribune

May is recognised as Lupus Awareness Month around the world. And here in the Bahamas the local support group Lupus 242 will host a series of events and activities to raise awareness. This is the fifth year the group is shining a spotlight on issues associated with lupus.

Lupus242 officially launched in April 2012 to provide information and support to lupus fighters and their loved ones. Through monthly meetings and events, the non-profit organisation seeks to be a resource for newly diagnosed patients and for persons who have been living with the debilitating disease for years, if not decades.

The chronic, autoimmune disease affects an estimated 5.5 million persons worldwide. Studies show that lupus is caused by several factors including genetics, environment and hormonal imbalances in the body.

Lupus is often hard to diagnose with symptoms ranging from severe pain, fatigue and unexplained flare-ups impacting random parts of the body especially internal organs. There is no known cause for the disease and presently, statistics on the number of persons in the Bahamas living with lupus are limited.

This month’s activities include the popular POP (Put On Purple) Fridays, where members of the public are encouraged to wear purple every Friday in the month in support of lupus fighters. To increase public participation and the level of awareness, Lupus 242 has partnered with telecommunications company Aliv for POP Fridays and other initiatives.

On Sunday, May 7, the group will worship together at Bahamas Harvest Church, in preparation for World Lupus Day on Wednesday May 10.

“An important date every year on our calendar is May 10, World Lupus Day, which is commemorated globally. It’s a day when we stop to recognise the impact lupus has on lives here in the Bahamas,” said Shonalee Johnson, vice president and public relations officer of Lupus 242.

“And while we know that this year the date falls on the day of the Bahamas’ general elections, we are encouraging all Bahamians, especially persons who would like to dress in neutral colours while voting, to ‘POP’ at the polls – put on purple, vote, take photos, post online using the hashtag #POPAtThePolls and tag our group!”

On Friday, May 12, Lupus 242 and Big Picture Paint & Sip Studio will hold a POP, Paint & Sip fundraising event, and then on Saturday, May 20, Bahamians will gather at the top of Fort Charlotte for Hope Floats – a balloon release ceremony to remember those who have died from lupus.

This year, the event will be held in honour of Lupus 242 President Shanelle Brennen, who died of complications from the illness in March of this year.

A Lupus 242 Health Talk with local rheumatologist Dr K Neil Parker is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, at the Harry C Moore Library at the University of the Bahamas. The month of activities will end with a presentation to the Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay.

To support the cause, persons can attend events and purchase Lupus242 T-shirts, wristbands or bumper stickers. Proceeds go towards local awareness initiatives and global research. For more information on the group and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/lupus242, email lupus242@outlook.com or call 525-9967.