By d-mars.com News Provider
The Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Under the leadership of chapter CEO Anne Marie Blacketer, the chapter’s annual fundraising efforts support important community outreach, research, education programs as well as the P.A.T.H. grant program, so all those affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life. “Lupus Warriors are often overlooked. Yet, the disease is serious and often leads to lupus nephritis, a severe kidney complication. Access to high healthcare standards for ALL Lupus Warriors is essential to maintain quality of life and improved outcomes,” says Blacketer.
One of the chapter’s many efforts is their upcoming walk taking place on Saturday, May 7th at 8 am on the campus of Texas Southern University. This year, Houstonian and #LupusWarrior Kennetra “Kiki” Searcy, Miss Black USA is chairing the event.
Q&A With Kiki Searcy:
Kiki, please share a little about your journey and how you became connected with the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. My involvement with the Lupus Foundation of America started in 2014 when I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common form of lupus. That began my journey to learn more, become more active in the community, and represent other Lupus Warriors with my voice.
Talk about this year’s walk to help end lupus. We are excited to announce that this year’s walk will take place on the campus of Texas Southern University (TSU) on Saturday, May 7th at 8 am. The Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast looks forward to showing the strength of our Lupus Warriors along the Tiger Walk of TSU. In addition, the top fundraising teams will enjoy an awards dinner the night before the walk, where we will also vote on the winners of the “This is Lupus” student scholarship competition within the TSU School of Communication. Dr. Rockell Brown, Associate Professor in the Radio, Television, and Film Department in the School of Communication at TSU is helping to spearhead this effort. Registration for the walk is free. To sign up and join a fundraising team, visit our website at www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.
Kiki, share with us how representing this organization supports and encourages young people with lupus. My greatest hope is that my involvement in the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast will encourage young people with lupus to become aware and spur them to make changes within their community. Too often, within our culture, we are either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed because we don’t have regular physicals or checkups. As someone with lupus who is still relatively young, I’ve had several reality checks within my lifetime and can emphasize and sympathize with those recently diagnosed. I want to be a listening ear, a voice, and a face that represents all Lupus Warriors throughout their journeys.
What do you find people are still unaware of when it comes to lupus? Many people are unaware of what lupus is and that it is an autoimmune disease. It is not cancer but an autoimmune disease that affects everyday living. Of the nearly 1.5 million people living with lupus today, over 60% are people of color (Black, Brown, or Asian). Despite losing 2,500 Lupus Warriors each year, the disease remains one with few medical options and no cure and is difficult to diagnose. Most Lupus Warriors wait five to seven years to receive a diagnosis. Those statistics are different for people of color in that they have been shown to wait nearly 15 years for their diagnosis. The status quo is not acceptable, and we are working to improve diagnosis rates and support systems for people with lupus. Anyone can get it – men, women, and even children – across any race, color, or creed.
Is there anything else you want to share with our readers? There is a purpose for myself and for my kids. We are here despite going through extremely traumatic experiences. Never stop fighting because you’ve been given a diagnosis. Your time has NOT run out! A diagnosis is just the beginning of the fight! You can join the fight against lupus, lifting yourself and others up as well!
Throughout 2022, the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter will focus on supporting #LupusWarriors in our African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities with improved access to a high standard of care for their lupus, educational information to aid in a timely diagnosis of lupus, and health improvement opportunities across the region we serve. For more information, please visit www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.
