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About LupusDay.org

Who We Are

We are a community-centered organization focused on lupus and autoimmune disease awareness, education, support, and advocacy — connecting individuals and families with resources, information, and a community that understands.

Our Mission

Support, educate, advocate

Our mission is to support, educate, and advocate for individuals affected by lupus and autoimmune diseases. We do this by providing resources, raising awareness, supporting research, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection and community engagement — with the goal of improving quality of life and advancing understanding of these conditions.

What We Believe

A community where no one affected by lupus or autoimmune disease feels alone, uninformed, or unheard.

Understanding

We believe awareness and education change how people experience a diagnosis.

Connection

We believe community support strengthens individuals and families alike.

Advocacy

We believe people affected by lupus and autoimmune disease deserve to be heard.

Compassion

We approach every person’s experience with care, not judgment.

Our community-centered approach

Why We Do More Than Provide Information

Lupus and autoimmune conditions don’t stop with a diagnosis — they touch families, caregivers, children, young people, and older adults across our community. That’s why our work extends beyond awareness alone. We support the people surrounding a diagnosis through family support, youth programs, senior and caregiver resources, and wellness activities — all rooted in the same goal: helping our community understand, connect, and thrive alongside lupus and autoimmune disease.

See Our Programs & Services →

01

Family support

For households living alongside a diagnosis.

02

Youth programs

For children and young people in our community.

03

Senior & caregiver resources

For older adults and the people who care for them.

04

Wellness activities

Shared spaces for connection and everyday wellbeing.

founding-era or early community photograph

Our story

How We Started

Our foundation was inspired by my personal journey with lupus. It took years to receive a diagnosis, and during that time I experienced falls, lost hours at work, struggled to pay my bills, and became homeless.

Because many people saw me as the strong one who could always push through, they didn’t understand how much I was struggling or how to support me. Those experiences inspired me to create a community where lupus warriors, families, and individuals feel seen, understood, supported, and never alone.

What began as a difficult journey became a mission to provide awareness, connection, resources, and hope to others.

Founder

DaShawn Mitchell

Leadership

Our Team

Our work is led by people who understand lupus firsthand, and by a growing team of volunteers, advocates, and supporters who share our commitment to making sure no one faces it alone.

DaShawn Mitchell

Founder

Join Us in This Work

There are many ways to be part of what we do — as a volunteer, a partner, or a supporter.