Lupus Foundation of Minnesota

Funds that were awarded in 2015 to meet the organization's vision of "a world without Lupus" supported clinical researchers and Lupus research fellowships working on innovations aimed at improved treatments and finding a cure. Grants totaling $105,592 were awarded to institutions, including the university of Minnesota and the mayo clinic.

The Lupus Foundation of Minnesota is dedicated to realizing our mission of a world without Lupus. Our mission is focused on working toward finding a cure, supporting those impacted by Lupus, and promoting a deeper understanding of the disease.program efforts in 2015 were aimed at improving the quality of life for people with Lupus by providing direct education and emotional support to individuals and their families/supporters. This was accomplished through numerous educational programs and supportive services which were offered to the community, providing a wide range of opportunities to access information and resources and connect with others living with or interested in Lupus, including: -community outreach activities and events (health & wellness fairs, walks/5k runs, postcards to clinics/rheumatologists, fundraisers), which provided information, education, and support to over 1,800 individuals with Lupus, their supporters, and community members. -26 seminars and classes were facilitated by community practitioners, which engaged 263 people living with Lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and their supporters.-five webinars were presented, which provided research advancements and clinical updates about Lupus to 595 individuals. -two community presentations were facilitated by lfm staff, which provided information and education to 50 individuals. -320 individuals received (via email, calls, walk-ins) support, consultation, information, and referrals to community resources in connection to living with Lupus or knowing someone who lives with the disease; 120 of these participants were new to lfm. -lfm employees, ambassadors and spokespeople participated in television appearances or radio interviews in order to increase public awareness of Lupus. Specifically, television appearances were with kare 11, wcco, kstp in the twin cities; kttc in rochester; and wdio and kbjr in duluth. Radio stations that hosted lfm included: bob 106.1 fm and red rock radio stations of duluth.-in print media, Minnesota health care news featured a "Lupus primer" article, a collaboration of lfm president and an lfm-funded researcher, in their september issue. -Lupus ambassadors were featured in city-specific publications. Starting in 2015, lfm made a concerted effort to publicize programming and upcoming events on community calendars; dozens of programs were highlighted in local community newspapers, in major newspaper calendars, and in online publications across the state.-lfm's bimonthly newsletter was distributed to over 7,500 unique readers and 2,484 households received the annual printed edition of Lupus news with education about disease management and research updates.-social media presence for lfm continues to grow with twitter producing nearly 200,000 organic impressions. Facebook followers total approximately 1,900 and organic impressions reached between 3,000 and 7,900 people during Lupus awareness month. A linkedin presence for lfm was established, and youtube channel was maintained, seeing increased followings on both platforms.-a continuing partnership with kfan 100.3 fm reached 65,000-75,000 listeners during the annual 24-hour on-air marathon support Lupus fundraising and awareness. As a charity partner of the midwest comic book association, over 10,000 event attendees received Lupus and lfm information.-a total of 166 volunteers came together to assist with public awareness and fundraising events. Additionally, nine independent individuals and businesses organized events to raise awareness of Lupus, reaching an estimated 3,140 individuals with personal stories, Lupus facts, and information.