By Kelli Roseta, More Than Lupus
“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.” – Helen Keller
Those profound words from the remarkable Helen Keller are the inspiration of the Tigard based nonprofit, More Than Lupus. Established in 2018 by lupus survivor and advocate, Kelli Roseta, More Than Lupus was created as a place where those who were just diagnosed, or those that have been living with lupus for decades – can connect, grow, and inspire others through the peaks and valleys of their lupus journey. Through the Facebook Support Chats, innovative blogs, and inspirational speaking engagements, the goal of More Than Lupus is to give thousands of individuals not only hope, but a voice, in a world where many still don’t understand lupus, nor take it seriously.
It is also Kelli’s desire to encourage those who are struggling with their lupus journey, remind them that they are not alone, and that their pain is real.
If you are unfamiliar with lupus, it is a life-altering and potentially fatal disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells by mistake, causing inflammation, and tissue damage. Though not a “woman’s disease” it disproportionately affects women, between the ages of 15 and 44. And of those, two-thirds are women of color. The cause of lupus is still unknown and there is no cure. It commonly affects the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, brain and blood vessels, causing pain and fatigue and can lead to organ failure or even death. Lupus affects everyone differently, and though many people with lupus do not appear “sick” on the outside, the disease can wreak havoc on the inside. There are 16,000 new cases of lupus every year in the United States, making it more common than cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy combined.
This holiday season, More Than Lupus aspires to raise 16,000 dollars in honor of those newly diagnosed. Donations raised will help with the following services:
- Online Support Groups
- In-Person Support Groups
- Hospital Visit Toiletry Bags
- Informational Blogs & Resources
- Awareness & Advocacy
- Emergency Assistance (doctor expenses, prescriptions, emergency bill pay)
Your tax deductible donation can be made through morethanlupus.com, PayPal or Facebook.
Please visit morethanlupus.com for more information on how you can make an impact of the life of someone you know living with this illness this holiday season.
