4 minute read
Issue 20 - Have a Heart
Suzanne
Have a Heart for Lupus: A Call for Compassion
Time has a way of slipping by unnoticed, and as I reflect on my own journey, I realize that I have been closely involved with the Lupus Foundation for over 42 years. It’s a cause that has been near and dear to my heart for decades. For the past 16 years, we’ve carried the powerful message, “Have a Heart for Lupus,” especially throughout the month of February. But what does this phrase truly mean, and why has it become such a vital part of our mission?
At its core, the expression “Have a Heart for Lupus” is a call for empathy, kindness, and understanding. Historically, the heart has been seen as the center of all human emotions. A symbol of love, compassion, and warmth. Over the years, this belief has blossomed into countless idiomatic expressions in various cultures, using the heart as a metaphor for the emotional center of our being. It’s a universal symbol of human connection, and it encourages us to act with tenderness and care for one another.
As we embarked on the creation of the first-ever Statewide Lupus Needs Assessment, we reached out to individuals who have lived with lupus, as well as their caregivers. We conducted seven focus groups to gather their insights, and what emerged from these conversations was both enlightening and humbling. One of the most significant lessons we learned from these brave individuals was their overwhelming need for empathy as they navigated their journey with lupus.
Lupus, as many who live with it will tell you, is not always visible to the outside world. The symptoms can be invisible, often leaving those affected looking healthy on the surface while they silently endure a storm of internal battles. This makes the disease particularly challenging to explain and even harder to understand. As someone who has closely witnessed the struggles of lupus patients, it deeply concerns me that so many people still fail to grasp the full scope of what it means to live with lupus. It’s not enough to simply feel sorry for someone who has lupus; what they need - what we all need - is understanding. True empathy that goes beyond mere sympathy. They need compassion, they need to be seen, and they need their challenges to be acknowledged. This is where the heart comes into play. The idiom “have a heart” has long been associated with love, kindness, and positive emotions. It’s a call to action, urging us to show mercy, to extend kindness, and to offer support
where it is needed most. And for those living with lupus, this support is crucial. By “having a heart” for lupus, we are fostering an environment of acceptance, understanding, and love. This is the very essence of our campaigns: to raise awareness about lupus and its far-reaching effects and to inspire a culture of empathy that can help combat the isolation that so many lupus patients feel.
Despite its prevalence, lupus remains one of the most misunderstood chronic diseases. In Ohio alone, more than 60,000 individuals are living with lupus, often without the understanding or support they desperately need. They can feel isolated, misunderstood, and at times, invisible in a world that doesn’t fully comprehend their struggle. This is why our message is so important: “Have a Heart for Lupus” is not just a campaign; it is a movement. It is a reminder that showing empathy is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can support those living with this challenging disease.
If you know someone with lupus, I urge you to reach out. Extend a hand, offer a listening ear, and show that you care. In the face of a disease that often leaves individuals feeling alone and misunderstood, your compassion can make all the difference. Support, empathy, and kindness are invaluable gifts that we can give to those who need them most. We can spread awareness, foster understanding, and ensure that no one has to walk this journey alone, together. Let’s “Have a Heart for Lupus”, and in doing so, let’s make the world a little brighter for those who need it most.
