Lupus Foundation
Lupus News
July 2016
Celebrating LFM's 40th Anniversary
Several initiatives focus on research, support and education

LFM turns 40 this year! Like one would do upon a 40th wedding anniversary or a 40th birthday, we're reflecting upon from where we've come, where we're going, and the people that have made us who we are today. A series of initiatives throughout the year are helping us celebrate as well as fundraise to continue into the next 40.

Lupus Food, Wine & Brew Classic: Over 300 people joined us to kick off our 40th anniversary year. The night's program highlighted LFM's three pillars of work - research, awareness, and support/education - and introduced a new fundraising initiative. Photos from the event can be found on our Facebook page.

$40 for 40 Giving Campaign: 40 years makes a difference and so does $40. That's why we're asking for you, our loyal followers and supporters, to launch us into the next year ...
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT:
Summer days are flying by
Tharan Leopold, President
For me, summer has always been much anticipated. The days are longer, the weather is usually nice, and family and friends who have been in winter hibernation present opportunities to get together. Yet the older I get, I always find myself asking the same question: where did summer go?

I can remember how summer felt like a dream, growing up in a small southwestern Minnesota town. Weekend trips to my grandparents' cabin, swimming at the pool, and playing with neighborhood friends made it feel as if time were standing still. I can vividly recall my grandparents and parents always telling me, "Wait until you get older. The days and years will fly by in the blink of an eye." I always thought that was absurd and couldn't relate.

Today, however, I can relate, and I do find ....
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The 2016 Lupus Ambassadors: Meghan, Katie and Trish
Uniting for lupus awareness
Introducing 2016 Lupus Ambassadors
When we met Katie, Meghan and Trish, we knew they were our 2016 Lupus Ambassadors. All three of them! Their stories, their passion for lupus awareness, and their willingness to be a face and voice for lupus got our attention.

We're proud to formally introduce the trio who will serve throughout this year in this annual volunteer role. They've already been "working," participating in the Lupus Food, Wine & Brew Classic, the Sludgeathon (Cory Cove's 24-Hour On-Air Marathon on KFAN), were interviewed to be one of the 40 Faces of LFM, and have attempted some community outreach too.

Additionally, they'll have a presence at the Lupus Walk for Hope and 5K Run events - all three plan to attend in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Duluth - in addition to blogging on the LFM website about their stories and lupus-related topics and will tackle upcoming media appearances too.

Meet Trish, Meghan and Katie here, then connect further with them through the blog, the Walk/5K events and more in the near future.
ASK A DOCTOR:
Tips for being your own health care advocate
Q: How can I be an advocate for my own health?
- Yolanda, Rochester

A: The U.S. health care system is complex and often difficult to navigate. However, patients who are more involved in their care are more likely to improve their health. Here are some steps you can take to be your own health care advocate:
  • Have a primary care doctor, and keep his or her name and contact information with you. If you see another doctor, request that records from that appointment are sent to your primary care doctor.
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Taking a look at LFM fellows hard at work this summer
With the start of summer, the 2016 Student Summer Fellows have begun working in research labs at the Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota under the direction of Dr. Timothy Niewold (Mayo) and Drs. Daniel Mueller and Erik Peterson (U of M).

These five fellows will provide glimpses into their work throughout the summer. Both institutions will host student presentations to conclude the experience. Presentations at   Mayo on August 16 and the U of M on August 22 are free and open to the public.

In the meantime, see summaries of their research projects to learn what they're investigating. And in the near future, the LFM blog will showcase their experiences in their own words.

Since 1981, LFM has provided undergraduate students with the unique opportunity to partner with accomplished researchers at local institutions working on lupus-related autoimmune research. The goal of the program is to inspire a new generation of researchers committed to improved diagnosis, treatment and a cure.
2016 Student Summer Fellows (left to right): Anoohya Muppirali, Blair Stewig, and Emily Fellows at  Mayo Clinic; and Megan Koop and Stephanie Magill at the University of Minnesota

Charity partnership goes miles
LFM has entries available for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Interested in running the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon for the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota?

LFM has a handful of entries available through the Community Partners and Charity Program of the annual event happening on Sunday, October 9. As a charity partner, we're happy to cover your entry, but are requesting you raise approximately $500 from your friends, family, supporters and others. All donations are tax-deductible gifts to LFM.

Fundraising tools, a website and additional information are all available through LFM. Please call 952-746-5151 or info@lupusmn.org to inquire further.

If you're already registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the half marathon, TC 10K, or TC 5K, you're welcome to register to be a part of the LFM Team. It's free and allows you to set a fundraising goal and begin raising money in support of LFM. Let your running efforts make a difference!
Light the Night Car Show in downtown Minneapolis to benefit LFM
When hundreds of cars pull into the new Vikings stadium parking ramp in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, August 27, it won't be for an NFL game. Instead, it'll be for a car show that benefits the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota (LFM).

InCarNation Automotive is organizing their second annual " Light the Night Show" and this year it will raise funds for LFM. Choosing the beneficiary came naturally said Dan Balto, citing the fact that the disease touches many members of their local car community.

The show is open to everyone - either to simply check out the vehicles and/or to show a car, truck, or motorcycle. The evening timeframe allows the show to focus on automotive lighting and those types of customization. Music, food trucks, vendors and sponsor displays will also be featured.

Other upcoming events  (click the links for more information and registration)
July 12 - Roseville
When living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases, quality sleep is as important as good nutrition and exercise to your well-being. Clinical nurse Mary Beshara will focus on how sleep affects overall health, ways sleep is disrupted, and strategies to improve sleep.
 
July 20 - Duluth
Pain and stress with lupus and other autoimmune diseases significantly impacts daily life. In this class, learn from community health educator Shannon Flaherty ways our thoughts and beliefs about illness impact overall health and take away some strategies to help release emotional stress and physical pain including breathing, acupressure and meditation.
 
July 21 - Mankato
Help those living with lupus in your community by becoming an Educational Support Group Facilitator! Learn about group development and group process, as well as the basic skills to become a facilitator.

July 21- Mankato
Food as Fuel: Living Better with Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases Seminar
Join Jodi Kunkel, N.D., to learn how naturopathic medicine and the use of restorative diet and balanced nutrition - including specific foods and supplements - can increase energy and reduce fatigue, inflammation, and other autoimmune disease symptoms.
 
August 3 - Rochester
During this seminar, presented by naturopathic physician Dr. Ariel Barkheim, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how naturopathic medicine and diet can increase energy and reduce fatigue, inflammation, and other autoimmune disease symptoms.
 
August 11 - St. Paul
Join us for lunch (provided by LFM) to connect with people living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Dr. Parastoo Fazeli, rheumatologist and Director of the Lupus Clinic at the University of Minnesota, will conduct an open discussion. Bring your questions.

August 17 - Apple Valley
JointSense: Sensible Moves for People Living with Lupus and Other Chronic Conditions
If you're living with a chronic condition such as lupus, join certified fitness trainer Regan Mizuno for a low-torque strength, low-impact cardio interval workout to help strengthen the muscles that support joints, increase energy, and decrease pain and inflammation.
Emerging Trends Conference
Improving Health and Well-being of Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases

Saturday, October 29
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph

More details, registration and information forthcoming.
Contact Us
Lupus Foundation of Minnesota
The Atrium Suite 135
2626 East 82nd Street
Bloomington, MN 55425

Phone: 952-746-5151
Toll-Free: 1-800-645-1131
Email: info@lupusmn.org
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