Raising Awareness for Lupus
Lupus is a disease of a thousand faces. We need your help to spread awareness and create change.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body — including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
Its symptoms are often invisible, unpredictable, and unique to each person, which is why it’s often called the “disease of a thousand faces.”
There is no single test to diagnose lupus, and symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. Many individuals face significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, which is why raising awareness is so important.
Learn more about our mission to raise awareness and support Canadians affected by lupus on our About Us page.
The Symbolism Behind the Lupus Butterfly
The butterfly is one of the most recognized symbols of lupus, inspired by the butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the face of many individuals living with the disease. Beyond this physical symptom, the butterfly represents beauty, strength, and transformation — a powerful reminder of the resilience of those affected by lupus.
Our signature purple reflects the spirit of lupus warriors: clarity, hope, resilience, courage, and strength. It’s a bold and uplifting colour that unites our community in raising awareness and fighting for change.
Lupus is often misunderstood or overlooked. That’s why awareness is key. Public education helps foster empathy, push for earlier diagnoses, improve treatment outcomes, and drive funding for research.
At Lupus Canada, we believe that through awareness, we can build a more informed, supportive, and proactive community.
Current Awareness Campaigns
Let’s Talk Lupus: A Pathway to Progress
Bringing the latest insights from the LUPUS 2025 Congress directly to Canadians and advancing the conversation on global lupus research and innovation.
Lupus impacts more than 1 in 1,000 Canadians and an estimated 5 million people worldwide. It is a complex autoimmune disease with no known cure, impacting every aspect of life, including physical, emotional, and social.
Despite medical progress, too many Canadians face delayed diagnosis, inconsistent access to care, and limited treatment options. For many, living with lupus means navigating uncertainty every single day.
Let’s Talk Lupus: A Pathway to Progress brings together leading lupus researchers, experts, and advocates from across the globe to share breakthroughs in global lupus research, inspire hope, and connect international progress to the realities of living with lupus in Canada.
Let’s Talk Lupus: Conversations with Macenzie
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Each month, Let’s Talk Lupus: Conversations with Macenzie shares uplifting interviews with Canadians affected by lupus. Hosted by Macenzie, a journalist living with lupus, the series explores real-life experiences, resilience, and strength.
Want to share your story? Email our National Digital Marketing Specialist, Ariana — we’d love to hear from you.
The Disease of a Thousand Faces
Help make lupus visible!
Lupus Canada is gathering 1,000 photos from people across the globe to reflect the diverse ways lupus affects individuals.
Through stories and photos, we shine a light on the real people behind the disease — and show that no two lupus journeys are the same.
How You Can Get Involved
More Awareness
Lupus affects everyone differently, and sharing real-life stories helps to shed light on the personal experiences of those living with the disease. Watch this powerful story from Heidi, who faced the challenges of photosensitivity, a common symptom of lupus. She shares how advocating for herself and working with her doctor has allowed her to enjoy the outdoors again.
Watch Heidi’s Story:
Past Lupus Awareness Initiatives:
Elliot Saucier and His Mother, Lise Bouchard – 230 KM for Lupus Awareness
Elliot Saucier receives a kiss from his mother, Lise Bouchard, after completing a remarkable 230 km run in her honour to raise awareness and funds for lupus research.
Dr. Paul Fortin, Dr. Boilard, and Students at Lupus Awareness Month Event – Quebec
Dr. Paul Fortin, Dr. Boilard, and students participate in a Lupus Awareness Month event at Galeries de la Capitale, Quebec City, in collaboration with BFly and the ARThrite Center of Université Laval.
Students Create Butterflies for Classrooms for a Cause
Young students proudly display their hand-drawn butterflies for Lupus Canada’s Classrooms for a Cause — an initiative that brings awareness into the classroom.
Lobby for Lupus: Advocating for Change in Ottawa
Leanne Mielczarek and Heather Coates in Ottawa for Lobby for Lupus: Voices for Change — advocating for equitable access to care and treatments for all Canadians living with lupus.
Calgary Tower Shines Purple for Lupus Awareness
The Calgary Tower lights up purple in honour of Lupus Awareness Month, helping raise visibility for the lupus community across Canada.
Dance for Lupus Awareness
A dancer uses movement and purple light to embody strength, resilience, and hope in support of the lupus community.
The Anand Charity Golf Tournament for Lupus Canada
Participants at the 2nd Annual Anand Charity Golf Tournament showing their support for Canadians living with lupus.
Support Lupus Day with Duliban Insurance Brokers
The Duliban Insurance Brokers team wore purple and butterflies for Support Lupus Day.
Purple Pumpkin for Lupus Campaign
Spreading lupus awareness one purple pumpkin at a time!
Lupus Awareness – Butterfly Face Paint
A beautiful way to raise awareness for lupus — one painted butterfly at a time! 💜
Kate’s Powerful Swim for Lupus
Kate is making waves — literally! 🌊 As part of the 1000 Laps for Lupus campaign, she swam countless laps to raise over $4000 for lupus awareness and research. Her determination and commitment to the cause are truly inspiring!
Purple Power for Lupus Awareness
These paws-itively awesome supporters are showing their love for lupus awareness in matching purple t-shirts! 💜🐾