Lupus 1000 Challenge: Raise Awareness and Support Research
Lupus 1000 Challenge 2026:
Raise Awareness and Support Lupus Research
Join Canadians across the country this May for the Lupus 1000 Challenge, a national fundraising initiative during Lupus Awareness Month that transforms awareness into action.
Participants take on a personal fundraising challenge of completing 1,000 of something whether it is steps, laps, kilometres, minutes of movement, or another activity that works for them while raising awareness and supporting Canadians living with lupus.
All registered participants will be entered for a chance to win a WestJet Gift of Flight for two.
This year, our collective goal is to raise $25,000 to support lupus research, advocacy, and awareness initiatives across Canada.
Lupus 1000 Challenge: 1,000 Actions. One Shared Purpose
Lupus is often called the Disease of a Thousand Faces because it affects every person differently. For those living with lupus, the journey can be unpredictable, invisible, and challenging.
The Lupus 1000 Challenge invites people across Canada to come together during Lupus Awareness Month and turn awareness into action.
Participants take on a personal fundraising challenge of completing 1,000 of something whether it is steps, laps, kilometres, minutes of movement, or another activity that works for them while raising awareness and supporting the ongoing work to improve the lives of Canadians living with lupus.
You do not need to live with lupus to stand with those who do.
The Inspiration Behind the Challenge
The Lupus 1000 Challenge grew out of a simple but powerful idea.
In 2024, Lupus Canada’s Youth Ambassador Isaac, Canadian National swimmer Kate, and researcher Yaneisy each committed to swimming 1,000 laps in 10 days to raise awareness for lupus.
Their effort inspired the original 1,000 Laps for Lupus challenge, which raised more than $4,000 in support of lupus awareness and research.
In 2025, the initiative evolved into the Lupus 1000 Challenge, inviting people across Canada to create their own version of “1000.”
Participants walked, ran, cycled, and swam while sharing their journeys with their communities.
Together, they raised more than $21,000 to support lupus research, advocacy, and awareness programs across Canada.
This year, we are inviting even more people to take part.
How to Participate
Taking part in the Lupus 1000 Challenge is simple and flexible. Choose an activity that works for you, complete 1,000 of something from May 1 to 10 or during any 10 day period in May, and help raise awareness and support lupus research across Canada.
Choose Your Activity
Participants take on a personal challenge of completing 1,000 of something during Lupus Awareness Month.
Examples include:
• Walking 1,000 steps
• Swimming 1,000 laps
• Cycling 1,000 kilometres
• Running 1,000 minutes
• Jumping rope
• Completing fitness activities
• Creating your own challenge
Complete the Lupus 1000 Challenge from May 1st to May 10th, 2026, or choose any 10 day period throughout May that works for you.
Getting Started
1
Visit our Lupus 1000 Challenge page here to get started.
2
Click “Register” to create your personal or team fundraising page. Fundraising runs from April 1st to June 1st 2026, so you can start collecting donations early! All registered participants will be automatically entered for a chance to win a WestJet Gift of Flight for two*.
3
Choose your activity and set your personal goal. Complete the Lupus 1000 Challenge from May 1st to May 10th, 2026, or choose any 10 day period throughout May that works for you.
4
Spread the word! Share your fundraising page with friends, family, and your community to rally support. Track your progress, post updates, and celebrate your achievements!
Win a WestJet Gift of Flight:
All registered participants in the Lupus 1000 Challenge will be entered for a chance to win a WestJet Gift of Flight for two.
Prize: One roundtrip flight for two guests to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination.*
Whether you take on the challenge individually or as part of a team, each registered participant who provides their email will receive one entry into the draw. No purchase or donation is required to enter.
The Lupus 1000 Challenge fundraiser will close on June 1, 2026. The winner will be selected by random draw on June 2, 2026.
The selected participant will be contacted by email using the information provided at registration and must respond within 48 hours. If the winner does not respond within this timeframe, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected. Lupus Canada is not responsible for unsuccessful attempts to contact the selected participant.
Disclaimer: No cash value. Fees, taxes, and surcharges not included. Blackout dates and other restrictions apply. Travel must be booked by an individual who has reached the age majority in their province. Board and Staff Members of Lupus Canada are not eligible to win. For full details, please review the WestJet Gift of Flight Terms and Conditions (PDF).
Raise Awareness and Funds
Participants create a fundraising page and share their challenge with friends, family, and their communities.
Our collective goal this year is to raise $25,000 to support lupus research, advocacy, and awareness initiatives across Canada.
While some participants choose to aim for $1,000 in fundraising, every contribution, no matter the amount, helps make a meaningful difference.
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.
Join the Lupus 1000 Challenge Today!
Be part of a national movement transforming awareness into action.
By participating in the Lupus 1000 Challenge during Lupus Awareness Month, you are helping increase visibility for lupus while supporting research and advocacy across Canada.
Register for the Lupus 1000 Challenge and help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 to support lupus research, advocacy, and education.
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.