Suzanne

Greetings, Summer is moving swiftly. I can hardly keep up; the days are flying by. Here at the chapter, everything keeps moving and changing faster than I dare admit. We continue to strive to create better programs and enhance services. This changing world we live in makes it more complicated to achieve our goals. We continue to try and return to our pre-COVID activities.

We have begun in-person programs and events. Please try to join in when programs are in your area. We do know that many of you prefer to remain mostly digital, but we are striving to please as many people as we can with some hybrid projects.

We are busy planning our Fall Summit at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. It is an in-person event, and we hope you can join us. Also, the walks are coming up fast. Our walk events are critical to the chapter and its mission. The funds raised allow us to have access to unrestricted revenue to enhance and expand the many programs we offer.

I am hopeful that you are using the resources we have for your lupus journey. Education and support will give you the power to have a better quality of life. I know this firsthand to be true.

Speaking of power, I want to share some pretty powerful people that have made a serious impact on the chapter this spring and summer. I call them our superstars. Every once in a while, we will get a message from someone who wants to make a difference in the world of lupus. These superstars have come to us with open arms and hearts to share their vision of how their superpowers can make a change in the world of lupus and have a direct impact on all we do.

It is important to remember that this organization began as a mostly volunteer organization. Through the years volunteerism started to decrease and the need for dependable staffing became urgent. Our superstars remind me of the good old days when we saw the same passion in our volunteers. It is great to see these individuals rise and do it all in the name of lupus. No one asked them. They saw a need, rose to the occasion, and made a difference. Their selflessness has given this chapter and the world of lupus a priceless gift.

I have included my version of Twelve Qualities of Superstars on the following page. As you read them, ask yourself if you have any superstar qualities. I’m betting you do. I believe there is a superstar in every lupus patient.

I hope you enjoy this issue of our magazine and that you enjoy the articles about our superstars with joy and appreciation. And to our superstars of yesterday, today, and tomorrow…thank you. The world is a brighter place because of you. Keep on shining.

With a loving heart,

Suzanne

Suzanne Tierney President & CEO Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter