Lupus Awareness Month - Let’s come together and get educated on this disease that affects one in almost 250 people.

Lupus Awareness Month 2024 – May 2024

Lupus Awareness Month occurs every May and we celebrate this month to contribute to the welfare of the affected community. This inflammatory disease is caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues and affects the overall well-being of the person in many ways. This month is all about raising awareness about its impact on the physical, emotional, and economic aspects of a person’s life. 

History of Lupus Awareness Month

Originally, from 1977, Lupus Awareness Month was observed as National Lupus Awareness Week in September, and then it was moved to October. It was only in 2009, owing to the efforts of the Lupus Foundation of America, that it was shifted to May as Lupus Awareness Month, and it has officially been observed throughout this month since then.Lupus is difficult to diagnose as it is often mistaken for other diseases. Most of the time, people don’t even know they’re living with it. However, one common symptom that has been noted is a bright red rash on the face that runs from the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, and across the cheeks. Due to its resemblance to a butterfly, it’s known as a butterfly rash. This is likely also where it got its name from, with its scientific name being systemic lupus erythematosus and ‘erythroid’ being derived from the ancient Greek word for ‘red.’Lupus Awareness Month has become increasingly important for lupus advocates over the years as a lot of people do not know about the disease or how to manage it. The color purple has become associated with lupus awareness. One may wonder why purple specifically? That’s because purple is a combination of the passion of the color red and the calmness of the color blue. Purple is thought to pacify the mind and nerves, uplift the spirit, and provide the courage to fight. The movement to create awareness about this autoimmune disease sees several events taking place every year in May across the country. These are aimed at raising funds for research initiatives and to financially support affected families.

Lupus Awareness Month timeline

1851
Lupus Defined as an Autoimmune Disease

Various research and documentation leads to the advancement of the understanding and diagnosis of lupus as an autoimmune disease.

1977
Establishment of Lupus Awareness Week

President Jimmy Carter signs Public Law 95-72, which establishes the week-long observance for lupus awareness.

2004
Establishment of World Lupus Day

Lupus Canada creates World Lupus Day on May 10 to spread awareness about this little-known disease.

2009
Transition from Awareness Week to Month

Lupus Awareness Week is extended to a period of an entire month to raise awareness for this disease.

Lupus Awareness Month FAQs

What is the lupus color?

Purple is a combination of red and blue — the color red represents passion/motivation and the color blue evokes a sense of calmness. Thus, purple is the color for lupus as it is the perfect blend of colors that represent the characteristics required to fight lupus. A purple butterfly is also the symbol for lupus. 

What day is National Lupus Day?

World Lupus Day is on May 10. The observance falls during Lupus Awareness Month, which sees multiple events taking place across the country that endeavor to create awareness, raise funds, and hopefully support families that are affected by lupus. Lupus advocates also observe the month in their own way with digital campaigns, fundraising activities, and educational sessions.

Is lupus considered a disability?

For Social Security purposes and subject to certain criteria being met such as the involvement of two or more organs or body systems and if it includes at least two major signs or symptoms (such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss), lupus may be classified as a disability. 

How to Observe Lupus Awareness Month

  1. Advocate for Lupus

    Lupus lacks significant awareness and there isn’t even a cure for it yet. Education and continuous research are imperative if we want to conquer this disease. During this awareness month, you can advocate for lupus through social media by inciting informative conversations and equipping others with the knowledge you possess. You can even participate in the Walk To End Lupus Now event hosted by the Lupus Foundation to further your advocacy.

  2. Sign a pledge

    The lupus community needs an ever-growing support base. You can head to World Lupus Day’s official website and sign an awareness pledge. By doing so, you are pledging to help those affected by lupus and garner the much-needed attention from the relevant people in leadership positions.

  3. Wear purple

    Purple is the color associated with lupus since purple brings together the passion of red and the calmness of blue. You can show your support for lupus by wearing all things purple on Put On Purple Day on May 21. Make sure to inform others why you’re doing this and the significance behind it.

5 Facts You Should Know About Lupus

  1. Women are at high risk

    Studies have found that 90% of patients who have lupus are women.

  2. Lupus can be limited to skin

    Patients with discoid lupus may only get rashes and skin lesions as compared to systemic lupus.

  3. Lupus can impact the kidneys

    According to a study, about 40% to 70% percent of patients with lupus have kidney inflammation.

  4. There is no cause

    One of the reasons lupus is such a complex disease is that there is no definite known cause that triggers the symptoms.

  5. Lupus has 4 types

    There are four different types of Lupus — systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.

Why Lupus Awareness Month is Important

  1. A need for increased awareness

    Some studies show that way too many people know little to nothing about anything related to lupus. A survey by the Lupus Foundation of America states that “while lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. alone, 63% of Americans surveyed have never heard of or know little or nothing about this disease that has no cure.” Thus, a dedicated month is crucial to spread as much factual knowledge as possible about this autoimmune disease.

  2. It provides hope and encouragement

    Lupus neither has a cause, nor a cure. It can be an isolating feeling to fight through this disease alone with its heavy mental and financial impact. Lupus Awareness Month is critical as it brings people together and shows the lupus community that they are not alone in this fight. It provides them with hope for a better tomorrow and encourages them to fight through this.

  3. It raises funds and increases research

    Lupus needs to be extensively researched to find a cause and cure so it can be handled better. More research can hopefully help in early detection and a better plan for treatment. Lupus Awareness Month helps in gathering funds for research and to financially support families in need.

Lupus Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2023 May 1 Monday
2024 May 1 Wednesday
2025 May 1 Thursday
2026 May 1 Friday
2027 May 1 Saturday
National Chocolate Parfait Day
Silver Star Service Banner Day
National Loyalty Day
May Day
National Mother Goose Day
School Principals' Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Infertility Survival Day
New Home Owners Day
Global Love Day
Save The Rhino Day
International Doodle Dog Day
Executive Coaching Day
Beltane
Worthy Wage Day
Frequent Flyer Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
National Purebred Dog Day
Couple Appreciation Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
Project Aces Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Mantra Day
National Blessing Day
Philippines Labor Day
Phone in Sick Day
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
Great American Grump Out
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Labour and Agriculture Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Lei Day
CSS Reboot Day
Calan Mai
Gianna Bryant's Birthday
Charli D'Amelio's Birthday
Katya Petrovna Zamolodchikova's Birthday
Paeka's Birthday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
National Teen Self Esteem Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
National Barbecue Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Egg Month
National Hamburger Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Salad Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
International Civility Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Creative Beginnings Month
National Strawberry Month
Get Caught Reading Month
National Inventors Month
National Mediterranean Diet Month
National Salsa Month
ALS Awareness Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Correct Posture Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Foster Care Month
National Pet Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
National Physiotherapy Month
Haitian Heritage Month
International Internal Audit Awareness Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
American Wetlands Month
EDS Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
Women's Health Care Month
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Vinegar Month
MCS Awareness Month
National Meditation Month
Local and Community History Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Labor History Month
National Recommitment Month
National Walking Month
Latino Books Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Indian Heritage Month
Military Appreciation Month
Building Safety Month
National Heritage Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
National Preservation Month
Bealtaine Festival
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
Lettuce Month
Heal the Children Month
National Share a Story Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Zombie Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
International Drum Month
Deck Safety Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Family Wellness Month
Tennis Month
May Measurement Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
National Sight Saving Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Smile Month
Small Business Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
National Duckling Month
Teen CEO Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
National Digestive Diseases Awareness Month
Prepare Tomorrow's Parents Month
Older Americans Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National San Architect Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
REACT Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
National Community Action Month
Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
National Anxiety Month
American Cheese Month
National Photo Month
National Moving Month
Better Sleep Month
National Comfort Month
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
National Bicycle Safety Month