Lupus Foundation of S AZ

To provide support, education and partnership to those affected by Lupus, while promoting the development and enhancement of health and social welfare at the local level. The Lupus Foundation of Southern Arizona exists for one reason only...to provide all possible support to those dealing with the disease.

Scholarships: The Scholarship Program is an academic study program to underwrite degree/vocational education of Lupus patients. LFSA offers 2-yr scholarships currently up to $1,000.00 per yr.
Outcomes: We have awarded partial scholarships to 17 students since the inception of this program in 2015.
LFSA Cares Fund: This fund provides medical and non-medical financial assistance to Lupus patients on a one-time basis. Once diagnosed with Lupus, the journey becomes a life-long commitment to medical testing, pharmaceuticals, and medically related equipment (when required) and emergent procedures/surgeries. There is no cure. Once insurance coverage runs out along with other private funding, if any, there is no other option. This important one time fund supports the health needs of Lupus patients by providing the monetary wherewithal to get the medical services required. The fund also helps patients with non-medical emergencies. Lupus is a debilitating disease, sometimes requiring patients to stop working or to miss a semester or more of college to receive treatment. This could take weeks or several months. Assistance with a mortgage payment, rent, utilities or other non-medical emergencies gives patients some breathing room while they recover enough to resume work on a full or part time basis or to continue their education.
Outcomes: In 2017, we were able to assist a seriously ill Lupus patient who was hospitalized for an extended time, including several months in a coma. Since she was unable to work, she was at risk of losing her home and her job. We made a mortgage payment for her and she was able to stay in her home. In 2019, we assisted a college student who became ill at school with the payment of her medical bills. In early 2021, she has finally found a treatment program with the help of her specialists that is helping her get back on her feet.
Retreats: This program is a "close-in" forum at locations for Lupus patients, caregivers & families where they can take some time for themselves to rest, relax and receive input concerning various topics such as: disease awareness, pain management, coping strategies, stress reduction, exercise, diet and nutrition, caregiver/family awareness, etc. LFSA covers 100% of the cost for attendees.
Outcomes: In 2019 we held a women's retreat and a couples retreat. These supportive experiences are extremely popular and help make a difference in a patient's life. The women and couples who attend these retreats come away renewed and refreshed as they listen to each other's stories and learn from each other and the retreat team and experts who provide input and activities that foster interaction and a safe space.
Support Groups: These are for Lupus patients, their families, and caregivers who come together for camaraderie, disease awareness, pain management, coping strategies, new treatments, etc.
Outcomes: Since the onset of the pandemic, we are hosting Zoom meetings for 4 groups, including a Coffee Talk Group, a morning and evening Living with Lupus Group, which includes input from presenters on various topics. This year's topics include information about COVID-19 vaccines, current research and breakthroughs for Lupus Nephritis patients and self-care. We also started a new online Men's Support Group in 2020.

Testimonials

"I didn't have money to go back to school, and it's hard to go into debt. I was hesitant to take out a loan. Learning that there was financial help was great. The LFSA scholarship covers the semester and I only pay for books. The scholarship has made it affordable to go back to school. I would like to say thank you to the Foundation. You guys have been awesome! After getting in touch with the Lupus Foundation I finally feel like I'm stepping in the right direction." Haley Anderson, LFSA Scholarship Recipient, 2017 graduate.

"The support group is so meaningful to me- to have fellowship with people who understand the disease and all that comes with it." Melissa Dreyer

"When I was diagnosed in 2014, I thought I was going to die. I found the LFSA website online and went to my first Coffee Talk meeting. It saved my life. I no longer feel alone."
Terry Davis

"I am grateful that the foundation was there for me when I needed support and my hope is that they will remain a resource for the fight against this disease and a support for those struggling with it." Michelle Johnson

"The support group has been good for me and I feel I am also a support to others - especially the new ones who come in." Donna Kidder