16 | April 2022 HEALTH
d-mars.com Health & Wellness Spotlight
on Lupus Warrior
KENNETRA “KIKI” SEARC
and the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapte By d-mars.com News Provider
T
he Lupus Foundation of America - Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Under the leadership of chapter CEO Anne Marie Blacketer, the chapter's annual fundraising efforts support important community outreach, research, education programs as well as the P.A.T.H. grant program, so all those affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life. “Lupus Warriors are often overlooked. Yet, the disease is serious and often leads to lupus nephritis, a severe kidney complication. Access to high healthcare standards for ALL Lupus Warriors is essential to maintain quality of life and improved outcomes,” says Blacketer. One of the chapter’s many efforts is their upcoming walk taking place on Saturday, May 7th at 8 am on the campus of Texas Southern University. This year, Houstonian and #LupusWarrior Kennet ra “K i k i ” Searcy, Miss Black USA is chairing the event.
Throughout 2022, the Lupus Foundation of America - Texas Gulf Coast Chapter will focus on supporting #LupusWarriors in our African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities with improved access to a high standard of care for their lupus, educational information to aid in a timely diagnosis of lupus, and health improvement opportunities across the region we serve. For more information, please visit www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.
Photo Credit (with her and her kids): Houston Photographer and Cinema
Q&A With Kiki Searcy: D-MARS: Kiki, please share a little about your journey and how you became connected with the Lupus Foundation of America - Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. KIKI: My involvement with the Lupus Foundation of America started in 2014 when I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common form of lupus. That began my journey to learn more, become
Photo Credit (headshot): Beverli Alford Photography
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