Lupus 1000 Challenge: Raise Awareness and Support Research
Lupus 1000 Challenge
1,000 Actions. One Shared Purpose.
Thank You for an Incredible 2026 Lupus 1000 Challenge!
During Lupus Awareness Month 2026, Canadians across the country turned awareness into action through the Lupus 1000 Challenge.
Participants walked, ran, cycled, swam, moved, and created challenges of their own, all with one shared purpose: raising awareness and supporting Canadians living with lupus.
Together, we raised $35,540, surpassing our $25,000 goal!
Thank you to every participant, donor, supporter, family member, friend, and community who helped make the 2026 Lupus 1000 Challenge possible.
Celebrating the 2026 Lupus 1000 Challenge
What started as an ambitious goal became an incredible demonstration of what our community can accomplish together.
Every challenge looked different. Every fundraiser had their own reason for participating. Together, those individual actions helped raise $35,540 to support lupus research, advocacy, awareness, education, and initiatives for Canadians affected by lupus.
$35,540 Raised
Surpassing our collective $25,000 fundraising goal.
Participants Across Canada
Taking on their own version of 1,000.
Countless Acts of Awareness
Every step, lap, kilometre, minute, donation, and conversation helped shine a light on lupus.
One Shared Purpose
Working toward a future where lupus is better understood, diagnosed earlier, and more effectively treated.
2026 Challenge Highlights
From first steps to final laps, the Lupus 1000 Challenge looked different for everyone.
Participants found creative and meaningful ways to complete 1,000 of something while sharing their journeys, starting conversations about lupus, and encouraging their communities to get involved.
Thank you to everyone who shared their Lupus 1000 Challenge with us. Your determination, creativity, and support helped make this year’s campaign one to remember.
Congratulations to Our WestJet Gift of Flight Winner
As part of the 2026 Lupus 1000 Challenge, all registered participants were entered for the chance to win a WestJet Gift of Flight for two.
Congratulations to Kelly Petryk Johnson, our 2026 winner!
Thank you to WestJet for helping us recognize one of the many incredible people who took part in this year’s challenge.
What Is the Lupus 1000 Challenge?
The Lupus 1000 Challenge is a national fundraising initiative that transforms lupus awareness into action.
Each Lupus Awareness Month, participants choose a personal challenge and complete 1,000 of something. It could be steps, laps, kilometres, minutes of movement, or something completely unique.
Participants create personal fundraising pages, share their challenge with friends, family, and their communities, and help raise awareness and funds in support of Lupus Canada’s work.
You do not need to live with lupus to stand with those who do.
Why 1,000?
Lupus is known as the disease of a thousand faces because its symptoms and impact vary widely from person to person.
The Lupus 1000 Challenge reflects that reality. Each step, lap, kilometre, or moment of movement represents the resilience of those living with lupus and the strength of a community working toward progress.
Lupus is often called the Disease of 1,000 Faces because it affects every person differently. The Lupus 1000 Challenge honours this diversity and the strength required to navigate life with lupus.
When hundreds of people take action together, small efforts add up to meaningful change.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Lupus 1000 Challenge will return next year, and we invite you to start thinking now about how you can take part. Whether it’s your first time joining or you’re coming back for another round, your involvement helps drive change, raise visibility, and bring us closer to a life without lupus.
Are you ready to take on the Lupus 1000 Challenge?
Questions? Need support?
Contact Heather Coates, National Fund Development and Engagement Officer, at heather.coates@lupuscanada.org for assistance or guidance.