May is Lupus Awareness Month!!

Across the planet, people are putting on purple to spread the word about the autoimmune disease. Lupus affects women, especially women of color, most often between the ages of 15 to 44 years old.

Symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, hair loss, the mylar rash (also called the butterfly rash across the face), joint pain, swelling in hands and feet, and fevers.

In the metro-Detroit area individuals living with and their families find support, encouragement and inspiration as Lupus Warriors. Through Lupus Detroit, a non-profit organization founded by Sharon Harris Warriors find more than support, they find family. Lupus Detroit hosts regular support meetings, offers financial support and holds an annual walk and gala each year.

Johnetta Smith is not only a member of Lupus Detroit, but she is the surviving parent of not one but two Lupus Warriors - her daughters - who were taken too soon by this disease that still has no cure. This Lupus Warrior Mom continues her daughters’ legacy by spreading awareness about Lupus while supporting the organization .