Hispanic Heritage Month 2025: Honoring Voices, Culture, and Community in the Lupus Journey

En Español 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience and leadership of the Hispanic/Latino community. Lupus has a profound impact on this community, and the Lupus Foundation of America’s work to provide support, education and resources continues year-round. Through culturally relevant programs, bilingual resources, and opportunities for connection, we aim to ensure every person living with lupus feels seen, supported and empowered. 

Breaking Language Barriers in Lupus Care

Access to clear, trusted information is essential when managing lupus and language should never be a barrier. That’s why we offer Spanish-speaking Health Education Specialists who provide free, nonmedical support to answer questions, explain lupus and find resources to help you navigate life with the disease. They are here to listen, provide answers and connect people with the tools they need, whether in Spanish or English.

Our commitment also includes more than 150 Spanish-language resources, all 100% expert reviewed. From understanding lupus symptoms to learning about treatment options and the path to diagnosis, these materials make it possible for the Hispanic/Latino community to access high-quality information.This ensures that every person can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Building Stronger Connections Through Community

Living with lupus can be isolating, but finding others who understand your journey can make all the difference. Our Bilingual Hispanic Lupus support group and Puerto Rico Lupus support group offer spaces where lupus warriors can share their experiences, exchange advice and encourage one another. These groups are led by dedicated facilitators who live with lupus themselves and bring empathy, understanding and lived experience to every meeting. Through our support group meetings, people can find a sense of belonging, build friendships and learn practical tips for living with lupus. It’s a reminder that no one has to face the disease alone, and that shared understanding can be a powerful source of hope and resilience. 

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action

Hispanic/Latina women face a higher risk of developing lupus, which makes awareness, education, and early diagnosis especially important. To help shorten the time to diagnosis, the Lupus Foundation of America created Be Fierce. Take Control.™, a program dedicated to empowering at-risk communities. By sharing culturally relevant information and highlighting common signs – such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes – this initiative helps break down the stigma and uncertainty around lupus. Through storytelling, community engagement and accessible resources, we are working to ensure that more Hispanic/Latina women can take proactive steps toward diagnosis and treatment. Awareness saves lives, and action begins with having the right knowledge in the right language.

New Stories and Resources This Month

Throughout the month, we shared powerful voices and resources from across the community. Lety, one of our Health Education Specialists, appeared in a Spanish language episode of The Expert Series on lupus and pain. Dr. Athié and Dr. González-Meléndez, lupus warriors and support group facilitators, highlighted how they found community and strength through the Lupus Foundation of America. Amanda, a Walk To End Lupus Now team captain, shared ways to get involved. We also shared the inspiring story of Nicollete “Nikki” Santiago, a young Latina leader in lupus advocacy and research. These stories highlight the power of representation, the importance of inclusion in research, and the impact that culturally relevant support can have. We invite you to connect with these voices, share their stories, and explore the many ways you get involved to raise awareness. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of a vibrant culture, and the ways this community experiences the lupus journey. By sharing personal stories, amplifying voices, and connecting people to trusted resources, we are able to take another step towards breaking barriers in lupus education, support and research. Together we will continue building a future where everyone diagnosed with lupus has the knowledge, community and empowerment they need to thrive.