Advocating For Change | Raising Awareness, Inspiring Change
Introducing Lupus Canada’s campaign: "Advocating for Change; Raising Awareness, Inspiring Change."
Lupus is a life-altering disease that affects thousands of Canadians, yet it remains under-recognized and underfunded.
On October 9th, 2024, Lupus Canada will be meeting with Members of Parliament where we will discussing the need for the Government of Canada to increase research funding for lupus. By bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, and advocates to push for change we hope to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Canadians living with lupus.
Learn more about our Campaign Goal:
Increase federal research funding for lupus treatments
As patients across Canada continue to be diagnosed with lupus, federal funding for research and development remains very low. The under-funding of lupus has resulted in a heavy reliance on advancements developed by other jurisdictions, causing delays in access for Canadians who desperately need them.
In contrast to the federal efforts seen in Canada, the United States has dedicated over $684 million in funding towards lupus research in the last five years alone. The United States established a federal working group that brings together agencies to avoid redundancies and maximize research dollars. As a result, the United States has become the global leader on lupus research and development.
To support individuals living with lupus, Lupus Canada recommends the Government of Canada increase funding efforts through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for lupus research and development of treatments.
Get Involved
We need your help to bring about change. Join us in advocating for increased research funding and recognition of lupus as a critical illness. Here’s how you can get involved:
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- Share Your Story: Has lupus affected you or someone you love? Share your experience with us on social media by tagging us and using the hashtag #AdvocateForChange to raise awareness.
- Advocate: Learn more about how to advocate by clicking here.
- Share Our Campaign: Help us amplify our campaign by sharing our social media posts with colleagues, family, friends or your healthcare practitioners.
- Donate to Lupus Canada: Your donations go directly to supporting research, advocacy, and awareness efforts. Help us fund the future.
Living with lupus can be an overwhelming journey. From navigating complex symptoms to finding the right treatment options, people with lupus face unique challenges that can deeply impact their quality of life. We asked the lupus community what changes they’d like to see in their healthcare experiences. Here’s what they had to say:
“I’d like to see more treatment options available and more support services.”
“I often feel that I have to ‘wait for things to get worse.’ I wish we could take a preventative approach – specifically with specific organ involvements.”
“The only treatment I hear are steroids or double up on the hydroxy pills. It just seems very limited.”
“There needs to be better support for mental health, as aside from the toll lupus takes on someone, the medications alter mood and emotions. The government needs to recognize lupus as a disability so those suffering can access financial and mental supports.”
Lupus impacts far too many Canadians, both directly and indirectly. Its reach extends beyond those diagnosed, affecting countless individuals who rely on our overburdened healthcare system. The ripple effects of lupus are far-reaching, touching families, caregivers, and communities across the nation. This widespread impact underscores the urgent need for increased federal support, to address the challenges posed by lupus across the country.