Lupus Awareness Month event held at Selma City Hall

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

May is Lupus Awareness Month — and a rally was held at Selma City Hall to try and raise awareness about the disease — and funds to fight against it.

Lupus is sometimes considered an “invisible illness” — because its symptoms — can be hard for others to recognize.

Selma’s first ever Lupus Awareness Month program — was an effort to spread awareness and educate people about lupus — and provide support to people affected by the disease.

Karlynn Johnson of Selma organized the event.

“Lupus is an auto-immune, chronic illness where our cells attack our bodies,” said Johnson.

“We’re trying to get awareness out so that people will know more about it. So that we can get more funding for it, and we can get more research.”

Survivors shared their stories at the event. And those who lost their fight with the disease were remembered.

Event organizers say raising awareness about Lupus — is the first step — to eventually finding a cure.

Lupus Awareness Month also aims to help to inform people about the physical — emotional — and financial impact of Lupus.