What We Do

The Michigan Lupus Foundation (legal name MI Lupus Foundation) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for those living with lupus through support, education and research with the goal of finding a cure. The foundation has been continually serving the state of Michigan since 1974 and is working to build a brighter future for all lupus patients and their families. 

The Michigan Lupus Foundation provides financial and informational resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers including support groups, counseling services, financial assistance, advocating with lawmakers at the state and federal level to amplify the patient voice, funding state and nationwide research as well as hosting awareness and educational events across the entire state of Michigan.

It is estimated around 14,000 Michiganders have been diagnosed with some form of lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissues and organs. It can affect any part of the body causing widespread pain and inflammation. People with lupus often suffer from joint pain, extreme fatigue and organ damage. Diagnosing lupus can take 2-6 years on average, per patient since it can often mimic other diseases and there is not one conclusive test. More people have lupus than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis combined. Two-thirds of the U.S. population does not know what lupus is, making it the foundation’s mission to increase awareness about the debilitating disease.

Programs and initiatives the Michigan Lupus Foundation provides include:

Support Groups & Community

The Michigan Lupus Foundation offers a community for people living with lupus that is crucial to disease management. A support network provides a safe space to share experiences, access information and discuss challenges and coping mechanisms related to managing the disease. Connecting with others who face similar challenges at monthly support groups or events can alleviate feelings of isolation. By providing a sense of belonging and support, a lupus community can positively impact the overall quality of life for individuals with lupus.  

The Michigan Lupus Foundation offers support groups for lupus patients, family members, caregivers and friends. Support groups provide an opportunity for lupus warriors to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies and firsthand information about living with lupus. Current support groups are help virtually on Zoom twice a month.

Financial Assistance

The average annual costs incurred by a person living with lupus can exceed $30,000 out of pocket per year, which is higher per person than other chronic conditions. The Michigan Lupus Foundation has a financial aid program, Lupus Love Project, to help lupus patients with financial burdens posed by the disease. The program is intended to relieve immediate financial stress by providing up to $400 per year for medical-related expenses.

Advocacy

The Michigan Lupus Foundation advocates at the state and federal level for policies and legislation that benefit lupus patients, including access to healthcare, research funding and insurance coverage. The foundation encourages patients to share their own stories with their legislators to make their voices heard.

Research

The Michigan Lupus Foundation is committed to supporting scientific and medical lupus research at local and national levels. The foundation works collaboratively with researchers to find better ways to treat and hopefully cure lupus.

Education

The foundation brings patients, caregivers and medical professionals together to create a strong, informed lupus community. Educational symposiums held across the state include several expert guest speakers and patient panels on important lupus-related topics. The foundation also provides educational resources to newly diagnosed patients.

Awareness & Community Events

The Michigan Lupus Foundation hosts awareness and networking events across the state to provide opportunities for individuals affected by lupus to connect and support one another. The foundation’s awareness walks in numerous cities are held as a symbol of empowerment, remembrance and awareness of sufferers and their friends and family.

Donating to the Michigan Lupus Foundation is crucial to support the fight against lupus. Your support ensures that no one with lupus in Michigan has to face their journey alone.

View the Michigan Lupus Foundation’s non-profit profile, including past financials, on Guidestar.org.