Edmond UCO Lupus Support Group - LFA OK

a recently founded a student organization at UCO called the Student Organization for Lupus Awareness or SOLA. After contacting the LFA-OK Chapter to see how to get more involved, they decided to start a lupus support group on campus.

“It is our hope that through SOLA, we will be able to broaden people's awareness and raise money for lupus research. We also want to help raise money to support the LFA OK Chapter by forming a team for the Walk for Lupus Now event in June,” stated Spencer.

“We have so many things we would like to accomplish with this organization. I am very passionate about making a difference in the lives of people affected by lupus, because my best friend of ten years, Sheena, was diagnosed with lupus about five years ago,” said Britton. Lupus is a chronic disease that for unknown reasons causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own healthy cells. The disease strikes mostly women in the childbearing years, with the highest prevalence among women of color. The disease causes a host of debilitating symptoms and can eventually lead to tissue damage, organ failure and sometimes death. Members of support groups often share experiences and advice which can boost your emotional and even physical well-being. This can help you cope better and feel less isolated as you make connections with others facing similar challenges. Family members and friends are also encouraged to attend to better understand the situation a loved one is experiencing. Most of the effects of lupus take place internally, and often there are few external signs, so it is helpful to educate others living around you.