Noticing changes in your cycle with lupus? You’re not alone. Find answers and reassurance in this week's KFL article, "Lupus and the Menstrual Cycle" by following this link: https://ow.ly/Gybv50Y5L1q

For Lupus Awareness Month ... some basics!

More than 1.1 million military personnel have died in conflicts, beginning with the Revolutionary War to the present.

Our next video encore for Lupus Awareness Month features clinical rheumatologist, Sharon Dowell, describes lupus brain fog - its possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis and therapies! Here is the link: https://youtu.be/G0wBHHWfNsI

During Lupus Awareness Month, we honor the incredible advances in research, treatment options and innovative, personalized therapies that are currently in development. For more information on clinical trials and #lupus, check out this KFL video: https://youtu.be/xJMwkKesWig

Rashes are among the most visible — and misunderstood — symptoms of lupus. From butterfly rashes to chronic hives, skin symptoms can signal autoimmune disease activity. Learn more in KFL’s newest blog article: https://ow.ly/CUFI50YXgCk

International Clinical Trials Day is held each May 20th to commemorate the day that James Lind began the first randomized clinical trial in 1747. He was testing remedies for scurvy! We honor clinical researchers and advocate for trials that reflect the rich diversity of the lupus community.

Lupus in the News: A new Australian study found key immune system differences that may explain why women are more prone to lupus & other autoimmune diseases than men. Findings could help improve treatment choices for both sexes. https://ow.ly/Bfq150YXUq6

Today is the premier of KFL’s “Lupus and Pregnancy” featuring clinical rheumatologist and Director of the Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease Clinic, Neda Amiri, MD. Here is a link to this important video: https://youtu.be/y9JG7MrlIXA #lupus #lupusawarenessmonth #womenshealthmonth

KFL was honored to celebrate Genentech’s 50th Anniversary & 20 years in Oregon! As one of the world’s first biotech companies, Genentech’s therapies touch 39M+ lives each year. Great connecting with fellow advocates and looking ahead to new lupus treatments! Thanks to everyone at Genentech!

The future looks bright for lupus patients! During Lupus Awareness Month, we celebrate the transformative research and innovative technologies that are improving the lives of those living with lupus!

Hair changes with lupus can feel overwhelming, but help is available! Check out KFL's blog, “Lupus and Dry, Brittle Hair - Lupus Hair” to learn more. Here is the link: https://ow.ly/PNRS50Y5KWI

Lupus in the News: Merck has announced the beginning of Phase 3 trials of enpatoran, an oral medication designed for the 85% of lupus patients with skin manifestations. More details can be found at this link: https://ow.ly/7CoG50YX2cF

Tonight, for World Lupus Day, Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus will light the Morrison Bridge in downtown Portland, Oregon - purple and teal - in honor of all those living with lupus and those in our local, national and international lupus communities!

At KFL, every day is World Lupus Day. Today, however, the world joins us in honoring everyone living with lupus. #lupusawareness #LupusAwarenessMonth #lupus

In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, KFL present an encore of “Butterflies in My Stomach: Lupus and the Gut Microbiome,”with Teri Greiling, MD, PhD! Here is the link: https://youtu.be/y8rMmLvUg2w

For Lupus Awareness Month ... some basics!

During Lupus Awareness Month, we honor the incredible advances in research and treatment options that are changing lives every day! For more information on CAR T cell therapy and lupus, check out this KFL video: https://youtu.be/2eZVfKgytqo

In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, Jennifer Hudson highlighted #lupus and lupus nephritis by featuring LN patient Justine Parker and rheumatologist Dr. Sheetal Desai. Thanks to Jennifer Hudson and #Genentech for raising awareness! 💜 https://youtu.be/6dqa-gmcrxo

In lupus, inflammation is like a fire alarm going off when there’s no fire. Understanding it helps explain flares, treatments, and how to protect your health. To learn the more, check out KFL's article, "Lupus and Inflammation" with this link: https://ow.ly/XtAn50Y5K9f

The future looks bright for lupus patients! During Lupus Awareness Month, we celebrate the transformative research and innovative treatments that are bringing hope to millions living with lupus! #lupusawareness #LupusAwarenessMonth

For Lupus Awareness Month ... some basics!

Lupus in the News: The FDA has approved a self-injection option for Saphnelo (AstraZeneca) to treat SLE. Originally approved in 2021 as an IV infusion, patients can now use the Saphnelo Pen at home—adding convenience and flexibility. Yes! Learn more: https://ow.ly/QlaB50YUqER

So, who is your favorite Star Wars character … This is the way.

KFL was proud to join Genentech leaders and patient advocates from across the country for meaningful conversations on the future of patient care. When we center patient voices, share lived experiences, and collaborate—real impact happens. Torey Browne, MAIS Executive Director, KFL

In honor of both Lupus Awareness Month and Women's Health Month, we present an encore of KFL's “Lupus and Women’s Health: From Puberty to Menopause," with rheumatologist Donald Thomas, MD, author of The Lupus Encyclopedia. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/tlhpJCU0n5I

The future looks bright for lupus patients! During Lupus Awareness Month, we celebrate the transformative research and innovative treatments that are bringing hope to millions living with lupus!

Join KFL and spread the word about lupus!

KFL was excited to attend the Oregon Health Authority Rural Convening in Redmond, Oregon on April 28th! Special thanks to the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contributions Fund for their generous support in making this outreach to the rural lupus community possible!

Navigating the healthcare system when you have lupus can be frustrating to say the least. Check out this KFL article, "Self-advocacy and Lupus: Charting the Course of Your Healthcare Destiny," to ensure you receive the quality healthcare you need. Link: https://ow.ly/w9Pv50YOzUG

For Lupus Awareness Month ... some basics!

Lupus in the News 🧬 New research links the gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus to systemic inflammation and kidney damage in lupus. Researchers also identified a potential biomarker that could help flag higher disease activity risk. Read more: https://ow.ly/89HQ50YQo37

For more information on this topic and more, check out KFL's article, "Lupus and the Lungs," here: https://ow.ly/Qar950Yc0M9

Over 50% of people with lupus experience digestive issues. This week’s blog explores how lupus, its treatments, and related conditions affect the digestive system. Check out "Lupus and the Biology of Digestion" here: https://ow.ly/3mPV50YOzwn

Uncontrolled inflammation is the enemy!

Lupus in the News: Popular GLP-1 use has been associated with reduced risks of lupus nephritis flares, and all-cause mortality among patients with SLE after 1 year of study. Link to study: https://ow.ly/nHSc50YLrWl~

KFL excited to premiere our latest video ... “Catching the Butterfly: The PCP & Early Lupus Diagnosis!” Link: https://youtu.be/51yoEobG6u0 In this video, Dr. Emily Puukka Clark describes the importance of primary care practitioners in the early #diagnosis of #lupus and lupus nephritis.

The summer is coming ...

This is a challenging time of year for so many who suffer from allergies! Both allergies and lupus are conditions driven by an overly active immune system. Check out this week's KFL blog article, "Allergies and Lupus" to learn more! LInk: ow.ly/7lzg50YKzYj

Lupus in the News: A new study looks at the risk of low vitamin D for heart disease and even the risk of death for those living with lupus. Vitamin D is an easy thing to maintain, so take note of your diet! Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003496725044528

Did you know that dogs can get canine lupus? Post pictures of your pets!