Lupus Foundation of Northern California

I recently started volunteering at LFNC a year ago and it has been a wonderful experience being apart of this team. The staff are amazing people who are considerate and give an outstanding service when it comes to their community. I began volunteering without prior knowledge of what lupus was but this organization did a great job bringing awareness to the illness. I look forward to continuing working with this organization and hope this message brings hope interest to those who are interested in reaching out. Thank you LFNC!

hi my name is michelle i have had Lupus for a long 17 years . the lupus foundation has helped me feel less alone and im grateful for the information you share..Thank you so much for all you do !

Bakersfield california doesn't have any runs for lupus I hope to change that we all need help. I hope someone can help us

I facilitate SF Lupus Support, a subchapter of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California (LFNC). The following is an excerpt from a speech I gave at a recent fundraising event for them. I’ve been connected to the LFNC since 1999 when I started attending the San Francisco Lupus Support group meetings. And I later participated in annual Lupus Educator Training programs led by founder and former executive Jo Dewhirst. Back then, the LFNC was called the Bay Area Lupus Foundation. But because of its amazing outreach from Redding and far south to Santa Maria, the name was appropriately changed.
 
For the LFNC, supporting people living with lupus is the heart of their mission. Within an ethnically and economically diverse population, they do this by providing programs and services that increase the understanding of all who are affected by this disease.
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I hope you consider the LFNC as a Great Non-Profit. Without them, all of us affected by lupus wouldn’t receive true, local support that is needed for our unique lupus community in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
Thanks so very much for your time and for listening!

In the past several years that I have volunteered with the Lupus Foundation, I have really enjoyed my time and felt that I have contributed to my community because they are very welcoming, and I was able to help in their office. I have volunteered for the Outrun Lupus 5K several times and enjoyed my time there. I also enjoy being able to help out at the office with different tasks while being able to learn a lot more every time I go there.

Thank you for sharing your updated research information.

The LFNC has been tremendously helpful in providing medical insight, moral and social support as I deal with lupus. As a newly diagnosed patient, I started attending the monthly young adults support group. While there is an ocean of information online about the disease, the support group is an opportunity to learn mutually through others experiences, and along with the social events that LFNC organize, I’ve started forming supportive friendships. LFNC is a great, well-connected resource, keep up the amazing work!

It was only via the Lupus Foundation of Northern California(LFNC) that I first met other lupus patients. After being diagnosed, I had too many questions and my rheumatologist endorsed LFNC as a good resource. Once I visited, I was immediately part of a large family of lupus patients, learning from seminars, attending support groups and most importantly no longer feeling alone in my journey with Lupus. The LFNC, albeit small, very efficiently organizes and utilizes it's resources and provides very valuable support to a large, hidden community of lupus patients and their families.

When I became an empty nester and considered volunteering, I noticed a flyer in my doctor's office for the LFNC 5k Walk/Run. Since I have Lupus, I thought this would be a perfect place for me to volunteer. As it turns out, I was right. The LFNC has a small staff of welcoming, caring, friendly and comforting individuals. I enjoy volunteering whenever I can when needed.

In my interaction with the other volunteers, I have been able to learn about Lupus and how differently it affects each individual when it comes to medications and illnesses. I have a better understanding of how fortunate I have been in living with Lupus.

I appreciate the LFNC for all the support they provide with outreach classes, seminars and the Buddy Program. I enjoy participating in a few of the fundraising activities they have such as the 5k Run/Walk and the Gala. What a gift it is to have the LFNC in the Bay Area.

The staff at the Lupus Foundation of Northern California all have a gift of making every encounter personalized. There is an immediate sense of genuine caring for whatever issue they are assisting with which is extremely important when dealing with a disease like lupus. I facilitate a support group in Sacramento and they are always willing to go above and beyond for any needs I have for my support group in general or for the individuals that need help.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California does such great work for the lupus community. They provide the latest information on lupus research through mini conferences, programs for people living with lupus to connect with each other one on one, and fun fundraisers! Without them, I wouldn't have a lupus support group meeting.

The LFNC is a wonderful organization. I have become more aware of this organization because my niece has lupus. The LFNC has become a huge part of my nieces life: helping her deal with and understand the disease, as well as enabling her to reach out to others and become a support person for others with the disease. I enjoy the yearly Lupus walk. Thanks LFNC for helping raise money to learn more about this disease and for being a great source of information for anyone wanting to learn more about the disease. And thank you for being a source of hope and support for those afflicted with the disease.

I have a dear friend with lupus whom I've watched struggle daily with this disease that has taken pieces of her, a little at a time. I have supported through the Gala and Lupus walk through the years. She is very involved with this organization because she was able to get information through them to help her process her diagnosis. She wants all people to be able to turn to the LFNC get support for this devastating disease as she has! She is my connection and I see LFNC's importance through her.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California embodies all of the traits a great nonprofit should have. The Executive Director and staff work tirelessly to provide the best support and resources for the community. Funds received by LFNC go directly to aid lupus patients and further research for a cure. Every member of the organization is committed to improving the lives of lupus patients and their families. I'm proud to be associated with such a great organization and help provide a brighter future.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California is a great nonprofit organization! My cousin has had Lupus for over 20 years and this organization has helped her tremendously over the years. This nonprofit helps people in need, they raise money for research, and they raise awareness about Lupus. This organization has also given my cousin a new purpose in life by giving her a job opportunity to work for the organization. I am extremely grateful to them for all they do to help my cousin and the community.

My sister was diagnosed with lupus at about the same time my oldest daughter was born. She was able to last through both good and bad times and still manage to take care of my two daughters. I never fully understood the disease until she became an advocate for the cause. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California has given her a voice for her pain and the pain that others with Lupus go through every day.

My daughter-in-law was diagnosed with Lupus at an early age. LFNC has been a great resource for her and helped me better understand the disease. I have participated in the 5K run/walk and the gala and never cease to be amazed by the dedication of the staff, board members and volunteers of this great organization. They provide a valuable service to the community with their newsletters, networking and research. Hopefully their efforts will lead to eradication of this and many other autoimmune diseases. Keep up the good work LFNC!

Can't say enough about Lupus Foundation of Northern CA (LFNC). An extremely dedicated staff, ED, volunteers, board members and supporters who care deeply about helping Lupus patients and their families. Not knowing a thing about the illness prior to my diagnoses LFNC became my go to place for information, resources, programs and support. They have truly made an impact on the lives of so many patients myself included.

I am thankful for their support on my lupus journey which has lead me back to them. Must say LFNC is GREAT stand out !! Non profit !!

A childhood friend of mine has Lupus and has been such an amazing advocate for research and spreading awareness. Because of her, I was introduced to the Lupus Foundation and learned of the amazing work that they do. We have also donated to the organization because we believe so deeply in the cause. Understanding Lupus, or any other chronic disease, is so important to increasing research dollars and to hopefully one day finding a cure. In the meantime, the more we understand, the more we can support others.

My best friend has lupus and other medical issues and the information and stories enables me to better understand and offer guidance. Not being in the medical profession and not experiencing her daily obstacles learning from professionals and the community has been insightful and a support system for me.

I have participated in the annual 5k walk/run, in Saratoga, for many years but wasn't really aware of the wonderful supportive role the LFNC does until i was invited to the annual gala in San Jose, by Roberta Kracht. Listening to the speakers talk about their journey through this disease is heart warming and heart breaking at the same time. People with Lupus and their families are so fortunate to have this organization for support and research. Our family thanks you and supports you and is looking forward to the day a cure is found!

I became aware of the Lupus Foundation's great work through Roberta, my mother-in-law, as we participated in fundraisers like the 5K run/walk and the annual dinner. Their work is inspiring to so many who lean on the Foundation for strength in the very difficult journey of lupus survivors, and it helps to lighten their very considerable burdens while also supporting critical research. As an aside, their events have given us a wonderful way to bring family and friends together to affirm our love for Roberta, and I know I see that in many other families in the community as well.

Every year, the professionalism, dedication, and hard work exemplified by the LFNC's staff continues to amaze me. It is clear that they care about lupus patients and creating an awareness of this autoimmune conditions in the community at large. They facilitate numerous patient education classes, support group meetings, fundraisers, walks and new programs. One of the newest programs to launch out of the LFNC is the Lupus Buddy Program in which patients are paired together as a personalized support system. The LFNC hosted a Buddy Program celebration with a Qi Gong specialist, a Chinese alliterative medicine specialist, and a therapist. The attendees loved the event! The LFNC is a place of support, trust, and care for many newly diagnosed and seasoned patients when no one else around them understands their disease and their journey with this disease. Thank you, LFNC!

As a child diagnosed with lupus before the internet, my resources for information and support from this disease was very limited. The only local organization I found was the Lupus Foundation of Northern California. It offered me a wealth of knowledge and reduced the isolation that is so common with lupus. I was a client served, then a volunteer in the 90's, a presenter at local events, and now, a board member. I am so proud of this organization and the support that we provide to the local community.

This is an amazing local charity that supports lupus patients in Northern California. The staff is so dedicated and caring and they really make a difference in the lives of people challenged by this debilitating disease.

My sister contacted LFNC over 20 years ago while living and working in SF and newly diagnosed. She's has had a journey and along the way LFNC has provided support and I'm so proud of of my sister. She now lives well with Lupus. Together we support and advocate for Lupus patients and are part of the amazing and dedicated Board and staff at LFNC. LFNC, thank you and keep up the great work for the Lupus community! I can't say enough about the dedication and commitment of LFNC!

My wife and I have been involved with LFNC since 1994, shortly after my wife was diagnosed. It's amazing what the staff and volunteers do to support lupus patients and family members during good and bad times. The educational courses, opportunity to participate in research, lupus buddy program, as well as community fundraisers all make the LFNC a great non-profit. I don't know where my wife and I would have gone after she was diagnosed to get answers and support services regarding life with lupus. A big THANK YOU LFNC!

I've been volunteering for the foundation a few years. Staff are wonderful to work with. Before I started to volunteer, I didn't know anything about Lupus. The foundation is doing great work to support Lupus patient as well as promoting awareness. As a volunteer, I always have a great time helping out at the office or at the event. I also met other volunteers and they're so wonderful to work with.

The LFNC helped me to form a great support network. The staff is very helpful and effective in guiding patients to the right resources. The positive experience motivated me to take up volunteer roles at the LFNC after starting as a patient.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California has three staff: the Executive Director, the Communications Director and the Outreach Director. But each staff has made adjustments to ably and satisfactorily perform the tasks needed in the office as well as in the implementation of the various programs designed to bring awareness to the people about lupus and help lupus patients.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California utilize and coordinate the volunteerism spirit of the community from the lupus patients themselves, volunteers who want to be a part of the program and professionals who share their expertise to help alleviate the conditions of the lupus patients. The Foundation is performing its fair share in bridging the gap... between lives with and without lupus far exceeding expectations.

Good people for a good cause. I've volunteered now at three fundraising events with the Lupus Foundation of Northern California. These events serve not just to raise money but awareness of lupus. That many of the staffers have lupus or have someone close who does makes it that much more deeply personal.

I've met some great people in the foundation. Everyone is cheerful and very accommodating! I feel that my efforts here are towards a worthy cause.

When I was diagnosed with Lupus I felt lost. I found on the internet that Lupus Foundation of Northern California was giving educational class about the disease for new patients and families and I went to learn more about Lupus. I left that day with knowledge that was so important to my health and helped my family to get information and also support. Their support group has helped me tremendously to find strategies to cope, make new friends too. I hope that they can help many others the way they helped me.

I've been volunteering for a couple years now. It feels good to help others with the same disease my mother has. The community are always welcoming. We need to stay strong together to overcome this battle.

I thoroughly enjoy being a volunteer for the LFNC. The staff welcomes you to be part of the "LFNC Family" and the other volunteers feel like family as well. Having Lupus, myself, I appreciate the effort to bring awareness to the community about this disease.

LFNC gave me the opportunity to start an internship with them and through this I was able to discover all the wonderful things they do. With a small staff and the help of clients and volunteers they are able to reach out to the community and make every single one of them feel welcome. Everyday their tremendous effort is seen and they make sure they make every one feels like family. The time I have spend as an intern with them has been marvelous and I am very thankful they gave me the opportunity to work with them.

Thank you LFNC for making a difference in our community!

LUPUS foundation of Northern California is a great non-profit organization. It offers very informative conferences, seminars to educate people on LUPUS. It also provides many helpful programs such as LUPUS support groups and 5K running etc. Just as its mission, this organization provides a center and resource and hope for people who are suffering with LUPUS, which I vote the highest 5 stars for nonprofit organization.

I have volunteered at LFNC since I retired nearly 7 years ago. It has been and continues to be an amazing trip. I have watched the organization grow and change as the world around it grows and changes. However, its mission and goals remain consistent. It continues to promote lupus awareness, to educate and provide information to patients, their families and caregivers through conferences, education classes and electronic newsletters. It also continues to support external research through fund raising activities like the 5K Run/Walk or the Gala. Volunteering 7 years ago most often meant filing, folding, stuffing, and mailings. Now, it is much more likely I will be asked to work on the computer, entering and editing data and researching. There are many fun activities to be done. In addition, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, staff, board members, lupus patients and their families, as well as other volunteers. I look forward to many more years of helping out at this great nonprofit organization.

I have volunteered at LFNC for about two years in the office and with their 5K run/walks and they were all very wonder experiences. The staff is friendly and kind to the volunteers and dedicated to Lupus patients and families. I have met many nice people and made some good friends volunteering at the organization.

I Volunteered LFNC for the 5K run/walk it was a very nice experience. All of the volunteers of this organization are so kind. Met lots of wonderful people all coming together for great cause.

I contacted LFNC many years ago when my lupus journey first began. LFNC was extremely helpful then and continues to be a strong organization that has definitely exceeded my expectations. Dedicated, caring, kind group of individuals who care deeply about helping lupus patient and their families. Can't say enough how it has helped me and continues to do so.

Lupus foundation of Northern California became a great help to me when I was first diagnosed with SLE Lupus 9 years ago. Through my rheumatologists office visits I found a flyer of the Alameda subchapter support group. I make it a priority to make all the monthly meetings, because they are encouraging and the group members have become like family. Through the years of attending this support group and going to educational class/seminars the LFNC hosts locally, I am now leading their Youth Support Groiup the Hangout once a month. Its a privilege and honor to be able to volunteer and help the foundation to continue reaching out to our community and instilling hope in the lives of those of us affected with this illness day in and day out. Their dedication and love the staff outpours to us is amazing.

I have been a volunteer for the LFNC for approximately 27 years. I first became involved when I was newly diagnosed and was seeking information and support. The organization was there to meet my educational and emotional needs. The administration is very supportive and encourages members to become involved, therefore I used my professional experience as a registered nurse to help teach classes, lead support groups and volunteer in other capacities. This nonprofit really stands out in its mission to raise awareness of lupus, support those who suffer from lupus and their families, support legislation to increase funding for research, and directly supply funding for lupus research. For this reason, LFNC should be one of the top great nonprofits in the country.

I have volunteered at many non-profits, but LFNC stands out among them because of the dedication of the staff and how much they care about supporting lupus patients and their families and friends. In addition to providing important information, LFNC does an incredible job advocating on their behalf, to get them the support and resources that are needed at the state and national level.

I am a parent of a young lupus patient. LFNC is an invaluable resource for our family. It provides excellent information, education and support. And, even more valuable is it's consistent messaging that, through research and sharing of knowledge, there is hope lupus will become a curable disease.

I have volunteered for LFNC for almost twenty years in Sonoma County. I love the people I've met in our support groups. We have made a queen-size butterfly quilt as a fundraiser and made more than $1,000 by selling tickets. The members of the support group are very encouraging to each other.

I started off getting involved in LFNC as a Lupus patient and soon fell in love with the organization. All the effort and these amazing people put into helping people who felt so hopeless and alone when they were first faced with their diagnosis is obvious the second you meet them. There seems to be a very warm welcoming energy about the foundation and all the people there. I felt right at home only after a few visits. Then before I knew it I was volunteering because I wanted to be a part of what they did in making a difference in people's lives. I am so grateful to have found this organization. It was a huge resource of support that helped me get back on my feet and get my life back.

I was at my annual lupus exam when I first learned about the Lupus Foundation of Northern California. There was a poster seeking participants for their 5K run that caught my interest. I had been looking into becoming a volunteer with some organization and decided the LFNC would be one of a personal interest to me.

The staff for the LFNC welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was part of the LFNC family. I have enjoyed working with many volunteers in our efforts to fundraise and help raise awareness about Lupus.

I look forward to many years as a volunteer and I hope that many others will come forward and join the LFNC organization.

I am a Senior in high school and my best friend and my great aunt are both Lupus patients. In knowing the effects of this disease on an individual, my mother and I searched for a place that we could volunteer at that would help us understand the disease more. We also just really wanted to show our support to all the strong Lupus patients. We received an e-mail that asked if we help send out newsletters and we immediately responded. A few days later, we came in and were greeted with warm smiles as we were introduced to all the other volunteers. All the people in the office were very passionate about what they were doing, whether it was labeling envelopes, folding papers, and even making calls for donations. The warm feeling I felt when I was volunteering, made me want to return to help out at another time. Since then, I have volunteered several times and have gotten close to the staff and other volunteers. I believe that this nonprofit organization does a wonderful job in spreading and supporting Lupus awareness and is a perfect place to seek help and information about this disease.

Lupus Foundation is a great organization. I've participated in the 5k walk to support my mother-in-law. and thought the run was a very good experience. I plan to come back next year to be a part of it again. I may even try jogging.

I joined this to support my mother in law as well as all the other victims of lupus. It was a great experience and I believe participating in this helped to promote the awareness of this auto-immune disease and to get more people to help contribute for a good cause.

I always wanted to do a run to support something and the Lupus Foundation made my very first experience really memorable. Everyone was just so dedicated and nice, and the event itself was a blast! I had lots of fun and also became more aware of what Lupus is at the same time.

Lupus can be a very confusing disease. LFNC puts on regular "mini-conferences" which bring together knowledgeable speakers with relevant information. The ones 'Ive attended on the latest developments in the treatment of Lupus have allowed me to be an informed partner in discussions with my doctors.

Lupus of No. Calif. has helped me greatly over the past 11 years since being diagnosed with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I live in the country and having the latest info. at my fingertips has been so reassuring. I have used their library and enjoy their newsletters. They have helped me with strategies for coping. I appreciate them being my advocate.

I first came to learn about the Lupus Foundation when a co-worker of mine revealed that he had lupus. I didn't know what lupus was, so I searched the Internet and found the Foundation's website. I learned a lot of information about this disease through them. That year, I also started participating in their 5K Run and Walk to help spread awareness about lupus and to do what little I can to help raise funds for lupus research. I hope there would be more resources like the Lupus Foundation all over the country.

I have Lupus. The LFNC keeps me updated with very helpful research information, educational classes, and and lifestyle tips for keeping my self healthy.

I decided to classify myself as a client served as I am living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases and the LFNC has been a helpful advocate for this never-ending fight. I consider myself and all lupus fighters, warriors, and I thank LFNC for providing us the tools (or weapons) to fight effectively while trying to continue our contributions to society. Thank you so much! Please keep it up! I'll be walking again next year. This time under team Craftego. My new handmade craft shop, because I will never give in to this... lupus.

Attended a few of their seminars to gain knowledge regarding Lupus. I gained so much information and gained valuable knowledge about the Lupus disease, the organization . The people, staff, medical personnel ,who volunteered their time in the local, San Jose chapter are so generously helpful to anyone, Is one of the organizations that deserve , truly one of the best .

Having Lupus can be very isolating. Healthy people often don't understand how someone who looks okay can be suffering pain and fatigue. The information and support I get from this organization helps me in so, so many ways from: Up to date medical research information; Tips on day to day living; inspirational stories from other patients; as well as a caring voice on the other end of the phone. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California is my partner in achieving a healthier life.

Although I no longer belong to a regular lupus support group nor do I attend functions, I do try to keep informed by reading the LFNC newsletter and searching for online info about SLE. In July 2012 I saw a workshop being held in San Francisco ttitled "Lupup Self Management/Holistic Nutritional Approaches for Lupus". At 48 years of age and having been diagnosed with SLE in high school, I have come across all sorts of info on these topics and they are pretty much the same--stay positive, avoid nightshade foods, sun screen, sun screen. For some reason, though, I decided to sign up and attend anyway. In a word AWESOME ! The attendees--all of whom were strangers to me--were friendly and welcoming, the speakers were knowledgeable and very personable, there was tasty, healthy food, and it was free. I was--and still am--experiencing a flare-up and was planning on staying home but I am so glad that I attended. A significant amount of the information I heard was new and definitely inspiring. That outing actually made me feel better. Thanks LFNC for making programs like this available and for changing my mind about support group meetings.

I was diagnosed with lupus in 2006 at the age of 35 and felt truly lost in the dark. As I began coping with the illness, I discovered the LFNC, and from reading the articles and personal stories, I began feeling a sense of support and community, without even meeting anyone in person. I signed up for the annual lupus walk with my family of 12, and was completely inspired by all the other members walking. I continue to receive the email newsletter from LFNC and look forward to reading the latest news about lupus. I have also recommended LFNC to a friend recently diagnosed with lupus.

I was diagnosed with Lupus in 1986. Through the Lupus Foundation I have learned much about what Lupus is and how to treat it. Most importantly for me has been the ongoing information on how to live my life to the fullest while dealing with the fatigue, pain and other symptoms of Lupus.

When first diagnosed with Lupus my Rheumatologist suggested I contact the LFNC for information and support. I did so, and attended a conference for those newly diagnosed with SLE. The conference was informative, and most important to me, I knew I was getting up to date and correct information. Now, over 20 years later, I am still a member and I continue to learn from the newsletters - the LFNC provides an invaluable service to patients and family. I would highly recommend teh LFNC to anyone who has SLE or any type of immune system disease.

LFNC DOES A GREAT JOB OF GETTING THE INFORMATION OUT ABOUT LUPUS. MUCH OF THE GENERAL POPULATION DOES NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS PREVALENT DISEASE. THE NEWSLETTERS ARE INFORMATIVE AND ARE UP TO DATE WITH THE NEWEST INFORMATION ON PERTINENT RESEARCH AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD. THERE ARE OFTEN STORIES OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE HAD SUCCESS OR GOOD ADVICE FOR FELLOW PATIENTS. THE E-NEWSLETTERS ALSO HAVE INFORMATION ON INSURANCE ISSUES WHICH CAN BE SO IMPORTANT TO PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE. PATIENTS WHO WANT SUPPORT GROUPS OR SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION CAN FIND THESE AT LFNC.

I have been involved with the Lupus Foundation of No. Calif since I was first diagnosed with lupus in 1996. At that time they served my needs by providing information and teaching me how important it was to educate myself. I have volunlteered, done fundraising, served on the Board and started a support group with a grant from the LFNC 10 years ago. I have seen the organization change to meet the current needs of all lupus patients. They have especially stepped up efforts to provide support and information to young people with lupus through social networks. I am very proud to be associated with the LFNC.

I was diagnosed with Lupus 20 years ago and it was life changing for me. I used the Lupus Foundation of Norther California as my resource of information about the disease. They also directed me to support group that got me through the first few years. I direct those who I come in contact with to the Lupus Foundation and they thank me as their experience is similar to mine. Although, having Lupus is something I have made my peace with I continue to read all the info that the Foundaton provides. I also donate to them as I persoanlly know the value they offer to their clients.

I have Lupus It REALLY helps to get information about what one can do it help be as healthy as one can:D I'm on SSA + SSI I don't have $$ or health to help!

I have been a member for over twenty years. Initially the group was a terrific resource for learning about Lupus when I was first diagnosed. I went on to facilitate a Lupus support group in my area for several years. I am in remission for the most part now, but continue my membership as a way of keeping myself up to date on the latest treatments and information.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California (LFNC) is definitely a great nonprofit organization. As a volunteer, I learned a great deal about the autoimmune disease, lupus, while helping out at the office. My mom who was diagnosed with lupus 15 years ago benefits from knowledge I gain. The staff has one primary goal and that is to make the lives of those people diagnosed with lupus better through patient education, support groups, increasing awareness, and research. Lupus, is a serious yet little known illness. LFNC strives hard to spread the word about this disease because people affected with the disease or are susceptible to getting it can fight it and live normal lives.

I joined the Lupus Foundation of Northern California as a volunteer because a friend has lupus and i had little knowledge of what this disease was all about. I wanted to help put an end to this disease that was incapacitating my dear friend. i have learned much about Lupus though books, pamphlet, and videos. Recently i watched Rene' Astudillo Executive Director of lupus Foundation of Northern California give an interview on television and he talked about Lupus and their goals for the foundation. i found this to be very informative, he explained what Lupus was and i got an even better understanding of this disease just by listening to him explain it. More interviews on television would be helpful. I have come to understand that we need more research on this disease and more funds.

Have volunteered with the LFNC for several years and continue to be impressed with its effort and accomplishments. Remarkably the LFNC achieves so much with a small staff of 3, a few active board members and its dedicated volunteers. Lupus is a horrific disease affecting our loved ones with varying levels of complexity - sometimes fatal. Yet very little is known about it by the vast majority of people, sadly even among medical professionals. So it is all the more important to provide support to lupus patients and their families. I know the LFNC strives to do this with care and compassion. Invaluable too are its weekly electronic newsletters that provide information to our LFNC family.

Working with the organization made me realize how many unselfish people there are who just want to make I difference or make someone's life easier. I've worked with the San Jose lupus foundation for a few years now, and every time I'm there I'm greeted with a smile. Most organizations I've worked with before give you a job that keeps you busy, but might not really have a direct impact on others. Lupus has givin me the opportunity to take on challenges that will help the organization move forward. Personally I will do any job I can to help but with lupus they gave me a opportunity to make a direct difference in other organization and with others, making me feel wanted and needed which everyone wants as a volunteer. Special thanks to Rene, Spandan, and Maggie at the Lupus Foundation San Jose.

The whole team was like a family and everyone who walked into the office was given a warm welcome. I love working with them because I'm not treated like a little kid (I'm 18 but I look younger), I am given the same amount of respect as any other person. Everything is always completed on time and the planning as well as preparing for events is efficient and always on the dot. They've made being a volunteer there fun and I can't wait 'till I go again.

The LFNC is a great organization with a rich history of helping those afflicted with Lupus. By offering education, events, and most important, awareness, to the Lupus cause, the LFNC is an important champion in helping people live with Lupus.

After years of odd health events, I was diagnosed in 1984 with having SLE. As an RN I knew lupus by text book but did not have much experience with the disease. Someone directed to the Lupus Foundation and I found great resources in books to read and conferences to attend. Over the years I have been able to refer many people to the foundation for help, including doctors, family members and patients. Also when you have Lupus and someone who knows you has a friend (usually newly diagnosed with lupus) they call you for help, especially if you are an RN. The newsletter and associated newsletters have brought me lots of great information I have shared with my doctors, family, friends and other lupus diagnosed people. I appreciate research and have been able to be a subject in several lupus and lupus related research studies thanks to the Lupus Foundation getting the information out to me in newsletters and now email. I know of no better resource for our community, lupus patients, family, friends, research and doctors than our very own Lupus Foundation of Northern California. I felt like I mattered when I contacted the foundation for the first time or attended a conference. I feel J. Dewitt was a great director and set a balanced and sound course for our foundation. I also had a letter from Henrietta Aladjem when I wrote her a note about her newsletter and felt like I was important to her personally. It was her books, the first I read about Lupus that I was directed to from the foundation that helped me see that lupus can be lived with. This is the overall message I get from the LFNC- you can live a full and productive life with lupus by taking steps along the way to care for yourself and attend to the lupus. LFNC puts lupus in perspective. Lupus may be part of my life but it is not who I am.

Provides a great service to help individuals newly diagnosed with SLE.

I was diagnosed in 2010. I have come to Lupus of Northern California for support and have joined support groups to understand the disease and better education myself and my family.

Lupus Foundation of Northern CA does a wonderful job of providing lupus information to patients and the community. The email newsletters are informative and interesting. I recently attended a lupus seminar and got a chance to meet others with lupus and discuss important topics. I think Rene is doing a fantastic job!

The Lupus Society of Northern California helped us when my daughter was diagnosed with lupus 28 years ago. They explained what Lupus was to us and we signed up with for the newsletter, offered us videos to take home and were so patient. Before we talked to them we had no clue, yes the doctor explained but when we heard Lupus we stopped listening... We thought it was leukemia. Ever since I have been a donor. Jo Dewhirst was wonderful and since she has left the Lupus Society has continued to improve. I appreciate the emails of the newsletters and up to date notifications of new drugs and studies that are taking place, as well as other patients' outcomes. This year we participated in the Lupus 5K and will continue to support this wonderful organization that helps so many.

this organization has been very helpful to my wife, who has Lupus. If it weren't for the foundation we wouldn't have had any resources to review in our area. Additionally, they have been very supportive to my wife when she needed their help coping with the disease.

I support and appreciate all that the Lupus Foundation does to help both those affected by Lupus.

My Mother died from this disease in 1971 at the very young age of 32. As if that was not hard enough to bear, a very good friend of mine also passed away from Lupus at the prime of her life! Finally, I have a step-sister who also has the disease, but she is managing the symptoms wonderfully, thank goodness. For some reason this disease has been a big part of my life. The Lupus Foundation is a place I feel I can help with donations, and in the long run help other people who have this disease! I am comforted to have this organization keep me informed of the latest developments in curing Lupus! I also look forward to the annual Run?Walk for Lupus!! Keep up the great work!

Many, many years ago I donated and walked for one of the fundraisers because a young woman I knew had systemic lupus. Previous to that walk I knew nothing about lupus. I learned recently that the young woman has had a transplant and is doing well. Last year I was diagnosed with subcutaneous lupus. Although it is not the more serious diagnosis, very little is known about it and it is difficult to research the kind that I have. I emailed the foundation requesting information; but didn't expect to hear anything back. Not only did I get a written personal information but references, and aphone number to call with questions. I am very impressed by this organization! Pamela

I found the organization on Facebook. Years ago a friend of mine revealed to me about his lupus diagnosis, so I tried to read up and research about this little-known disease. Through their website and their eNewsletters I've learned much about lupus. Lots of useful information, especially on research development. I've made it a point to donate to the organization whenever there is the opportunity. Glad to support such a great organization.

LFNC has provided me with so many supportive oppurtunites for me since I found about them over a year ago. They run a youth support group that has been so helpful to me. I love getting together with other people my age that understand what I am going through. I participated in a webcast with LFNC about teens with lupus. I had never experienced anything like that before and loved having the chance to be part of it! The annual walk that is put on by LFNC is always a great time. It is so good to see so many people coming together for such a good cause.

My daughter, Diemmi Nguyen was diagnosed with Lupus when she was 5 years old Lupus was rare and we had very little knowledge about it. However the Lupus Foundation Of Northern California (LFNC) gave us a tremendous amount of support and assisted us in many different ways. She was giving all of the treatment that she needed and we learned how and what to look for so that she could have a healthy life. The organization helped her gain more confidence and never give up. Unfortunately, the Lupus spread and destroyed her body very quickly and she passed away within a month. It was hard to watch her go, but without the incredible from the doctors and the many Lupus organizations, including the LFNC, my daughter would not had such a wonderful, memorable, and meaningful final 19 years of her life. So, THANK YOU for all the support and help that many doctors,and LFNC have provided to us and we are confident that they will continue helping many more patients.

I have learned much about lupus from the Lupus Foundation of Northern California’s education and advocacy programs. Their electronic e-newsletter has some great articles, with health and life management tips that are great for lupus patients (and are often applicable to those without lupus too). And their facebook page often reports on stories where lupus patients or new drug possibilities are in the news.

After years of strange symptoms that would come and go, I remember sitting in my doctors office being told that "you don't want to have lupus". I was then refered to see a rheumatlolgist, which took a few months to get an appointment. Knowing nothing about lupus I went to the public library and the only book I found was outdated and I read I had only 10 years to live! Somehow I found out that there was a Lupus Foundation ongoing support group in my city. I found out that lupus was not a death sentence and that I could take action to be as healthy as possible. I become more educated about lupus, suppported, and became a member of Lupus Foundation. I continue to receive valuable info from their website that keeps me up to date on research and medication and offers me hope that soon there may more curing medication for people with lupus.

I am a rheumatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area and have worked with the LFNC since I was a fellow in 1986. Initially, I only used the organization to refer my patients for informative materials and support groups. Later when I became a faculty member at Stanford, I became a speaker for the annual Lupus meeting for many years. For more than a decade that I have been in private practice, I have been a reviewer of articles for the news magazine. The LFNC chapter has been a tremendous resource for my patients and I refer my lupus patients to the organization routinely. R. Elaine Lambert, M.D. Overall rating above expectations

Lupus Foundation of Northern California (LFNC) has been instrumental in my avoiding many of the hidden dangers of Lupus SLE. When I was initially diagnosed with Lupus Cerebritis (of the brain) in 1997 there was so little knownledge base for the Lupus patient with this particularly aggressive and most often deadly form of Lupus. LFNC directed me to support groups in my area, allowed me to borrow from their extensive video library, spoke with me about my particular manifestations of Lupus and in general gave me caring and compassionate service in many different ways. I also learned so much about how to care for myself and to help my caretakers know what to look for when I am getting sick. I am alive today because of the "MANY" doctors, caretakers and organizations who continue to make progress in all areas of Lupus and LFNC has been a huge part of that. As I have now added to my list of organs affected; my kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs, heart and more...the more I know the more I can fight this with confidence I am doing all I can.

In 1997 while I was on extended business travel I had my first Lupus attack and was taken to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. I was experiencing severe swelling, rashes and massive pain to the point that I could not move on my own. The doctors at the hospital had no idea what I had but treated me and told me to see a doctor specializing in Rheumatology once I was back in the Bay Area. I did and it was as if he was giving me a death sentence by only saying how sorry he was that I had this terrible disease. My husband found out about this organization and bought me a lifetime membership. The information that I found from this organization helped me to learn how to control the symptoms and what to do to live a somewhat normal life again. Through the articles and the comments from other patients I have learned more than I have from any doctor that I have worked with. Lupus still comes to visit me from time to time but I have found that through exercise, eating right and making other changes in my lifestyle that I can keep the "flares" down to a minimum and live with this disease. This organization taught me never to give up and allow Lupus to win. I cannot thank you enough!! You have changed my life forever!!

I was diagnosed with SLE 33 years ago. At that time the prognosis was very poor. Shortly after being diagnosed and starting prednisone, I became pregnant. In my fifth month of pregnancy I went into full blown eclampsia with grand mal seizures, kidney involvement (spilling 8 grams of protein) and fetal demise. An emergency c-section was performed and after suture removal I suffered wound separation and remained in the hospital for 3 weeks. After all this we were advised not to try another pregnancy. During these past years my lupus has not been in remission and I remain on varying doses of prednisone supplimented with chemotherpy drugs when needed. Lupus has been a true challenge in my life but I am grateful to have a supportive husband and frequent times when my symptoms are mild. I have learned to deal with all this by taking one day at a time and knowing that my condition could be a lot worse. I am grateful to the Lupus Foundation of Northern California for providing information on current studies and treatments and for educatiing the public on this debilitating disease.

My sister was diagnosed with Lupus 5 years ago after fighting for her life for 2 weeks. The doctors had no idea what was wrong with her. All they knew was she was dying and they didn't know why. After she was diagnosed, she had learn about Lupus and what she needed to do to keep it under control. Lupus isn't well known, so I am so grateful for The Lupus Foundation and their efforts to provide information, programs, education and services for those effected by Lupus and to help promote Lupus awareness. It was so great to see the number of people who came out to participate or support participates in the 5K Lupus Run/Walk.

I have stayed up-to-date via the website and emails about Lupus. While I was informed that my childs chances of having Lupus were only slightly higher than the general public, it is good to be aware of signs and symptons. Her mother went undiagnosed for nearly 12 years because she would go in and out of remission.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California saved my life. When these strange symptoms first appeared in 1996 I did not not know what was wrong with me. The doctors mentioned "could be Lupus"?? I went to this organization for information and support. They had up-to-date information, support groups, an informative newsletter, education, the doctor's hot line, and people with Lupus that you could speak with. I found them to be helpful and they where my link to answers about a disease I was unfamiliar with. Thank You, Debra Giusto

I first got involved with this foudation when my rheumatologist was working for it. The information NCLF gave to me helped me to understand the differences and similarities between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. They consistently provide a wide range of info, services and connections to the local and medical commmunities in the Bay Area. I feel very fortunate to know about, and benefit from, such a productive and helpful organization.

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California does so much to help people with lupus and their loved ones live with the disease. Their programs and information are invaluable. This is an invisible disease and so easy for the uninformed to misconstrue. We need more education for the public and the LFNC does that.

For six years I saw the Lupus Foundation help lupus patients by assuring that current and pertinent information was available. With a clear focus on education and promoting awareness, the Foundation helps patients to find their way with a disease so often mis-diagnosed or overlooked. By conducting conferences with medical experts; producing and circulating literature and newsletters; maintaining a web-site with current information; monitoring the latest lupus research; and working with national research organizations, the Foundation makes itself highly relevant to the lupus community.

I contacted the Lupus Foundation of Northern California when I was diagnosed with lupus. I was able to attend a patient education class where my fears about living with lupus were calmed. I received encouragement and very practical information of how to take care of myself. I continue to be a member of the foundation because they keep me informed on the latest research on lupus and provide seminars/classes with credible professionals on such topics as diet and exercise, social security disability, emotional issues of a chronic illness and more.

I came to Bakersfield chapter of Bay Area Lupus Group (as it was known then)for support of my own health, emotional and family issues. I had an autoimmune disease similar to lupus, so the meeting had information helpful to me (on oral lesions, joint pain, fatigue, sun exposure worsening disease). The Bakersfield group got much of their information from the Bay Area Lupus Group (now Lupus Foundation of Northern California), especially on how one person's disease stressed the whole family. It takes strength to speak up for one's needs when the family needs the sick person NOT to have those needs. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California led the Bakersfield Lupus Support Group to encourage members to be honest about their emotional needs with their families. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California (then Bay Area Lupus Foundation) also led training for chapter officers. My training through BALF made a huge difference in my ability to organize in different groups later in my life, and I am grateful.

I found out I had Lupus about 20 years ago and the LFNC has been a great resource for me over the years with information and support. I have volunteered for them and been part of their fund raising efforts through the years. It has been important to me to have a place I can go to that understands what I am going through. LFNC is a great organization!

After being diagnosed with lupus, I researched the condition extensively. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotional ramifications and challenging logistics that come with a chronic condition. LFNC helps me conserve my dwindling energy by providing summaries on the latest research, notification of studies and the backbone to local support groups and educational seminars. My first time attending a support group was invaluable, I finally met people "like me", not just by condition but by ambition as well. This was both heartening and discouraging and scary but it was important for me to see and understand the realities of creating a new lifestyle in which I can still be fulfilled. It is all a work in progress, and I know that the Lupus Foundation of Northern California is there if I need guidance / information.

When I was first diagnosed with Lupus, the rheumatologist I was going to did not provide me with any support or information. He even walked out of the exam room while I was asking him questions. I was frightened and had no idea what I was up against. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California provided me with the support and the information I was not receiving from that doctor. Through their education seminars and information pamphlets, I learned so much about my disease. I was relieved to know I was not alone and even more relieved to know my life was not over. The LFNC gave me the strength to assert myself and demand that I be a member of my medical team. Needless to say, I fired my first rheumatologist. I am very happy with my current doctor. I honestly believe I would not be doing as well as I am, had my sister not found the LFNC for me.

Upon being diagnosed with lupus, I immediately began searching for information to help me understand and deal with this chronic disease. The Lupus Foundation of Northern California provided information and support. It has been eighteen years since then, and I continue to make use of their services through the newsletters and workshops.

Hello, I am a Lupus Nephritis survivor. I was diagnosed about the same time that LFNC was started, about 30 years ago. I immediately looked lupus up in the encyclopedia where I found the words, "life expectancy is 5 years." Luckily my neighbor knew a woman who was involved in the Lupus Foundation. I called her and I immediately went to a meeting of lupus sufferers like myself. I ordered pamphlets and any information I could to understand this disease I had contracted. The issues of the Lupus Foundation that came twice a year and the newsletters from LFNC I read and studied and I believe that it is because I learned about my disease that I am still living today. The internet didn't exist then and had it not been for the Lupus Foundation where would I have gone? I learned how to communicate with my doctors and how to cope with living a life that was so different from the life I had imagined. I know that LFNC helps people like me everyday and I am proud of my membership and I will always stay a member.

My husband is a lupus pt, who to this day is still somewhat in denial. I find the website to be very supportive for me and often forward positive news info to my husband in hopes of encouragement. This site has a fountain of information for those impacted by lupus. Thank you.

My sister was diagnosed with lupus in 2005. Our family knew very little about the disease. The LFNC was instrumental in provided us the resources and information we needed to learn about this disease. The education classes and confereneces were so helpful to my sister. I was so impressed with this organization and what they offered to lupuis patients that I knew I wanted to be more involved and so joined the Board.

My wife has lupus and we try to support various groups that fund research of this disease as well as provide information for those suffering from lupus and their families. The information that LFNC provides has always been helpful. Their various publications are well-written, concise and deal with the concerns of those who have lupus. Additionally, they give us current information on significant research that is taking place. We happily support LFNC to the best of our ability.

I have been involved on the Board of LFNC and applaud the commitment of its members, staff and supporters, to provide ongoing education and counseling for those affilcted with Lupus. Through their efforts, they bring answers to troubling questions about the disease and guidance for those in need of assistance.

I am a registered nurse, a person diagnosed with lupus and a person who ran a support group. There were no support groups when I was diagnosed that were near by. The L.F.N.C. helped me start a group which I ran for several years with their support. I would have never attempted to do this without their support. I hope I helped a few people when I did do the group. It became too difficult for me to do the group and work so I had to give up the group. I appreciate the L. F.N.C. for all their help and know they have helped many people through out the years. Sincerely~Sheila Thompson, M.S.N.

My family and I participated in the Run/Walk for Lupus for the past two years... I am grateful to have the opportunity to show my sister how much we support and love her! We made it into an annual family & friends get together and its been a rewarding and fun experience!

I am most grateful for Lupus Foundation of Northern California for the information they provide. I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 47 and had no idea what this disease was or could do. Through the Lupus Foundation of Northern California I have been kept up to date on new drugs to treat lupus and which I have had a chance to discuss with my doctor. I would be at a complete loss if it were not for the Lupus Foundation of Northern California.

LFNC has always been and excellent resource for me and my family. I appreciate all the information they provide on their website and through their newsletters.

As a parent of a lupus patient, I rely on LFNC to keep our family informed of lupus-related news via email. I have also attended several of the brown-bag lunch talks and found them to be very informative and relevant.

As the parent of a child with lupus, LFNC has been an invaluable resource. We have benefited immeasurably from their informational online chats, publications, online resources and conferences. In addition, our daughter has been able to take an active role in organizing a fundraising team for the lupus walk. This has given her an opportunity to take action and meet others with lupus and arthritis, which has been very helpful to her coping with the illness.

Being diagnosed with Lupus was scary. I had heard of it but knew nothing about it. When you have a diagnosis of a chronic disease the symthoms are constantly changing. I needed a resource that had current information as well as support to help me through each step. LF has given me that. I have attended symposiums, read the website, blogged others in my situation. All of this was only available with the help of LFNC. Thank you..

I have been a member of LFNC for several years. They have provided me with excellent educational information about Lupus. I especially enjoyed the monthly newsletters and information on recent research. The most beneficial service they provide is the opportunity to attend conferences locally that they sponsor. The doctors who speak at these conferences are experts in their field of immunology. Also nurse practitioners and nutritionists have lead discussions. This is very informative and supportive.

When our daughter was diagnosed with Lupus we immediately were advised to hook up with LFNC which we did. We were infinitely supported by their magazine, updates about on going research successes, workshops and seminars. We are proud to be supporters of this wonderful organization whose volunteers and staff are committed and caring.

I have many friends who have been touched by lupus, and want to do all I can to help. The Lupus Foundation has brought awareness to my community by humbly but confidently asking for specific support through donations, education, and many other services.