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Lupus Awareness Month: Living, Treating, and Thriving With Lupus SLE 💜🦋

An educational graphic for Lupus Awareness Month by the Lupus Research Alliance. The image features a vibrant purple and red gradient background filled with circular photo frames showing various diverse women smiling, embracing, and walking together. Large text in the center reads, "9 OUT OF 10 PEOPLE WITH LUPUS ARE WOMEN," with "women" written in white cursive. The bottom of the image includes the logos for "hope in action THE FUTURE OF LUPUS" and the "LUPUS RESEARCH ALLIANCE."

May is Lupus Awareness Month 💜. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦋་༘࿐

What May Means for Me as a Jamaican Physical Therapist Living with Lupus

As a Jamaican physical therapist living with Lupus SLE, this month means more than a color or a hashtag to me.  It’s personal.  It’s lived.  And it’s a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person trying to keep moving through pain, fatigue, uncertainty, and invisible battles that most people never see.

Lupus does not look the same for everyone.  Some days it’s joint pain.  Some days, it’s exhaustion that feels heavier than your body.  Some days it’s the emotional weight of having to explain why you don’t always feel like yourself.  And for so many of us, it becomes a daily lesson in resilience 💪🏽

Photo: When Lupus wants to break my wings, I still fly

Why Lupus Awareness Month Matters

Lupus Is Not the Same for Everyone

What we do know is this: 90% of people with lupus are women, and Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected, both in prevalence and severity.  That reality matters.  It means representation in research matters.  It means our stories matter.  And it means continued research that includes women and people of color is essential to creating better, more effective therapies for everyone living with lupus.

As both a clinician and someone living with this disease, I have also benefited from new therapies aimed at putting lupus into remission — and that’s why I believe access to research, treatment, and representation is so important 🌍✨

Honoring Lupus Warriors

You Are Not Alone

This month, I’m honoring every lupus warrior carrying more than others can see.  You are not alone. 💜

Learn more: https://bit.ly/LAM2026FB or contact your local Lupus chapter for resources.

Related Reading:

FAQ: Lupus Awareness Month and Living with Lupus🤔❓

What is Lupus Awareness Month?

Lupus Awareness Month is observed in May to raise awareness of lupus, its symptoms, and the need for improved research, treatment, and support.

Who is most affected by lupus?

Lupus affects people differently, but it is more common and often more severe in women and in Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Why does lupus awareness matter?

Awareness matters because lupus is often misunderstood or invisible to others, and better understanding can lead to earlier recognition, better care, and stronger support.

What are common lupus symptoms?

Common symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, swelling, and feeling unwell, but symptoms vary from person to person.

Can lupus symptoms change from day to day?

Yes.  Lupus is known for being unpredictable, and symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and type over time.

Why is representation in lupus research important?

Representation matters because research that includes women and people of color can lead to better, more effective treatments for the people most affected.

When should someone with lupus speak to a healthcare professional?

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily life, it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional for individualized guidance.

💬 Let's Connect!

Have you had to shift your fitness routine due to joint pain, or found a specific strategy that helps you cope with chronic fatigue?  Drop a 🦋 in the comments or share your go-to low-impact exercise below!

Stay mobile,
Toni
tonithephysio™ 
Total Mobility.  Total Balance.  Zero Pain
Mend & Move|Pain-Free Movement Team

🤔 Want a personalized assessment?  Schedule a free, no-obligation Joint and Movement Assessment with a physical therapist today. 📞

🤔❓Not Sure Physio Is Right For You? 📞🖂Speak to a physiotherapist first

Remember, your body is resilient, and taking just one small step today can pave the way for a stronger, completely pain-free tomorrow! 🌟

Check Out the Following Links:

📲Follow me on Social Media:  

TikTok: @tonidunn10
Facebook: Toni-the-Physio
Link In Bio: tonithephysio.org
________________________
🗣️📢Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and is not medical advice.  

Complete the 2-min joint assessment before starting any new exercise routine.

#LupusResearch #LupusAwareness #LupusAwarenessMonth #HopeInActionTheFutureOfLupus #LupusSLE #LupusWarrior #BlackHealthMatters #WomensHealth #ChronicIllnessAwareness #PhysicalTherapy
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We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts or questions about movement and recovery below. While we can’t provide specific medical advice here, we welcome a healthy discussion. Let’s get moving together!

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine.

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