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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!

Monday

May 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEMay 10

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to show your support for those living with lupus on World Lupus Day on May 10! This international day was established in 2004 by the Lupus Foundation of America, and is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for research and education about this chronic autoimmune disease. The date, May 10, was chosen to honor the birthday of British musician and actress Selena Gomez, who has been open about her struggles with lupus. So let's come together on this special day to spread positivity and understanding towards those affected by lupus.

TIMELINE

World Lupus Day Timeline

Lupus Defined Clinically

French dermatologist Pierre Cazenave was the first to define lupus clinically, describing its classic skin manifestations.

Discovery of Lupus Nephritis

The involvement of kidneys in lupus patients (lupus nephritis) was first established by pathologists at the Mayo Clinic.

Development of Lupus Drug

Cortisone was introduced as an effective treatment for lupus, marking significant progress in the management of the disease.

Establishment of Lupus Foundation

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) was established to provide support, educate the public and fund lupus research.

First World Lupus Day

The first World Lupus Day was observed, dedicated to raising awareness and funds towards lupus research and education.

Approval of Benlysta

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Benlysta, the first new lupus drug in 50 years, marking a major milestone in lupus treatment.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Lupus Day

Start a fundraising campaign

Raise awareness and funds for lupus by starting a fundraising campaign. You can do this through online platforms or by organizing an event in your community.

WEAR

Wear purple

Purple is the color associated with lupus awareness. Show your support by wearing purple clothes, accessories, or even dyeing your hair purple for the day.

ATTEND

Attend a lupus walk or run

Many organizations host lupus walks or runs on World Lupus Day. Participate in one of these events to raise awareness and show support for those living with lupus.

HOST

Host a lupus information session

Organize an information session about lupus for your friends, family, or community. This is a great way to educate people about the disease and how they can support those living with it.

Share your story on social media

Use your social media platforms to share your personal experience with lupus and spread awareness. You can also use hashtags like #WorldLupusDay and #LupusAwareness to join the conversation online.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Lupus Day is Important

It provides support for patients

For those living with lupus, World Lupus Day can offer a sense of community and support among others who understand the challenges of managing the disease. It's important to come together and show solidarity for those affected by lupus.

It raises awareness

World Lupus Day is an important opportunity to educate the public about this chronic autoimmune disease. By raising awareness, we can help people understand what lupus is and the impact it has on those who live with it every day.

It promotes research and funding

World Lupus Day also serves as a reminder of the need for continued research and funding for treatments and a cure. This disease can be debilitating and more research is needed to improve the lives of those living with lupus.