Peer Support Group Meeting

Hi Lupus Supporters,


The Lupus Star Foundation will be hosting its monthly peer support group meeting this Sunday July 17th at 4pm.  The meeting will take place in Ypsilanti, MI at the Lake Shore Apartments Clubhouse (I-94, Rawsonville Rd exit). Sharing Hope Meeting Flier


 The Lupus Star Foundation support group is open to anyone with a chronic condition, such as Lupus and RA, as well as those with general health issues.  Friends and family of people with a chronic condition are also encouraged to attend (with or without the sufferer); it is important that a sufferer’s loved ones understand their condition and know how to support them. 

If you have a health condition and would like to connect with people that have similar situations please attend our peer support group meetings.  You will have the opportunity to learn new information about Lupus and other illnesses, exchange information and resources, get advice and tips, and be comforted by people who care about you and what you are going through.  Even if you feel like you do not need much support or help, your presence and story can be inspirational to someone else.  This is your chance to really help someone, and get help if you need it.

Refreshments and light snacks will be served.  Come with your story, questions and an open heart. Lupus Star Foundation is all about helping individuals, spreading awareness, and educating the public!! 

July & August Awareness

July is:
回 Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
回 UV Safety Month
回 Cord Blood Awareness Month
回 International Group B Strep Awareness Month


August is:
☄ Cataract Awareness Month
☄ Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
☄ National Immunization Awareness Month
☄ Psoriasis Awareness Month
☄ Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Lupus, The Great Imitator

Did you know that Lupus is sometimes referred to as the Great Imitator? Lupus symptoms are very similar to those of several other common illnesses.  The most common symptoms of Lupus are fatigue, headaches, anemia,  joint pain, sun sensitivity, discoloration of fingertips in cold, fever, swelling, chest pain, butterfly rash, hair loss, blood clotting, and tiredness.  Quite the list in my opinion, but lets keep in mind that those are only the most common. 


Many of these symptoms can occur in other conditions and illnesses, such as arthritis, Lyme disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, pneumonia, alopecia, hemophilia and more.  This is why Lupus is called the Great Imitator, its symptoms are like the symptoms of many other conditions and illnesses.
 Full Article Here


I believe that this is also a reason that it is so difficult to diagnose Lupus.  When diagnosing Lupus doctors have to analyze multiple physical symptoms and test results.  The fact that every Lupus patient is unique (different combinations and severity of symptoms) increases the difficulty of diagnosing and treating the illness.  Lupus seems to imitate many illnesses.  Oh lucky me!! I get a taste of it all. I have even managed to develop the imitator (Lupus) and the imitated (arthritis).  Many of us have at least one other illness to accompany Lupus throughout our life.  All we can do is learn to cope and live life to the fullest.  Education is key!!  You should know what is going on with your body.  Take care and spread awareness!! 


With Love ღ
Simmi

Love Yourself!!

Hi Lovelies!!  Recently I have connected with so many Lupies and people dealing with other chronic illnesses.  It is amazing to meet and get to know people that are going through some of the same things as I am.  It breaks my heart to see friends in pain or having hard times.  I wish that I could just take all the pain away and give them nothing but good days.


If you are going through difficult times or not feeling so great, always remember to love yourself.  Keep in mind that your illness, disease or situation does not define you.  It is only a part of you.  Learn to use it to your advantage, don't let it get you down or take over your life.  Follow your dreams and reach for the stars!!  We might have to reach a little harder and use a ladder ツ , but we can still get there.  


You are special, important and wonderful.  Don't forget that!!  You deserve to have a fulfilling life.  Enjoy every good day, and smile during the bad ones.  Keep faith.  Hope and Love is all I need!!  I am wishing you all the success in the world!! 


Sending you many Hugs-n-Kisses
Simmi✯