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Lupus Awareness Month

Join us in raising awareness for Lupus during Lupus Awareness Month - help spread the word and support those affected by this difficult disease.

Saturday

1–31

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of May

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

May is Lupus Awareness Month, and it’s time to educate yourself and your loved ones about this serious autoimmune disease. Every year since 1979, the month of May has been dedicated to raising awareness for lupus, a chronic and often disabling condition that affects millions of people worldwide. During this month, we encourage everyone to learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments of lupus so that those who suffer from it can get the support they need. So join us in celebrating May as Lupus Awareness Month!

TIMELINE

Lupus Awareness Month Timeline

Lupus Defined Clinically

Dr. Cazenave first defined lupus as a separate disease in a clinical sense.

Lupus Foundation of America Founded

The Lupus Foundation of America, a national voluntary health organization, was established to provide support, education, and research for lupus.

Isolation of LE Cell

Doctors Hargraves, Richmond, and Morton first identified the LE cell, a type of white blood cell, in bone marrow taken from people with lupus.

First Lupus Awareness Month

May was recognized for the first time as Lupus Awareness Month by various Lupus organizations to raise awareness about the disease.

First Drug Developed for Lupus

Benlysta became the first drug developed specifically for lupus since the condition was identified.

Discovery of New Genes

A major study led by researchers from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation identified 24 new genes associated with lupus.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lupus Awareness Month

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser event such as a 5k run, bake sale, or car wash to raise money for lupus research. Make sure to promote the event in advance and get the word out.

START

Start a donation drive

Organize a donation drive with friends and family to collect items for those living with lupus. These items can include items such as clothing, blankets, food, or hygiene products.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Volunteer your time at a local organization that provides services to people living with lupus. This could be anything from helping out at a support group or attending a local event.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Use social media, email, and other forms of communication to spread awareness about lupus and its impact on peoples' lives. Share stories of those living with lupus and their experiences.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about lupus and its effects on individuals and their families. Research the causes, symptoms, treatments, and other information related to lupus.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Lupus Awareness Month is Important

Lupus Awareness Month draws attention to research & funding initiatives

During Lupus Awareness Month, efforts are made to draw attention to research initiatives and raise funds dedicated towards finding better treatments and eventually a cure. This is key in helping to improve the lives of all those affected by lupus.

Raising awareness of lupus helps those living with it

Lupus Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the condition. By spreading information and having honest conversations about lupus, we are able to help those who live with it feel supported and less alone.

Lupus Awareness Month encourages better care for those living with lupus

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder that can often be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. With increased awareness of the condition, doctors are better equipped to provide tailored treatment plans, leading to improved longterm outcomes for their patients.

Related holidays

MON

May 2026

Awareness

World Lupus Day

Join the fight against lupus and raise awareness on World Lupus Day. Let's find a cure for this complex autoimmune disease together!

Lupus Alert Day

On Lupus Alert Day, join the fight against this debilitating disease by spreading awareness and supporting those affected.

Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

Join the fight against sarcoidosis and raise awareness this month - let's spread knowledge, support those affected, and find a cure together!

International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases

Let's raise awareness and support for those living with chronic immunological and neurological diseases on International Awareness Day

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