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Advocacy and Legislation | Southeast

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An image of the US Capitol dome against a purple and blue digital background.

The nation's largest lupus advocacy event is back - the 2024 National Lupus Advocacy Summit will be held in Washington, DC from May 19-21! Join hundreds of lupus advocates as they come together to learn about the latest in lupus research, connect with other advocates, and advocate for policies to improve the lives of all people affected by lupus.

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The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Region promotes action on the federal, state and international levels on issues that will improve the lives of the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus. We will continue working with Congress and federal and state agencies to improve the solve the cruel mystery of lupus. We need your help, however, to get more government funding for research, to encourage early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, and to improve access to quality health care for everyone with lupus. You don’t need to be an expert in government or policy to be an advocate – all you need is your voice, your passion, and a commitment to making a difference.

Registration for the 2024 Summit opens in January!

We can't turn Capitol Hill purple without you! We hope you'll join us in Washington this May for a truly impactful event – to receive registration details for both digital and in-person access to the 2024 Summit as soon as they are announced, sign up as an advocate.

Meet our Advocacy Co-Chairs 

 

 

 

FL Support Group Facilitator 7
Jeanette Alston-Watkins

Jeanette is a 12-year Lupus survivor, and she volunteers for the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Region in many forms. As a Community Ambassador, she increases awareness about our programs and has been the guest speaker for CHI, Baptist, and other events around the tri-county. As a State Advocate, she educates the elected officials about lupus’ devastating toll and hold them accountable for supporting policies to accelerate the search for new treatments and provide compassionate care for people living with the disease. As a Support Group Facilitator, I share my experiences and assist group members to adjust to life with lupus. I also provide current and reliable lupus information and resources to the members. This is a place where everyone has a voice and learns to use it. She dedicates her time in helping newly diagnosed patients understand they are never alone, also guide other Lupus and autoimmune patients in the right direction. Her Walk to End Lupus Now team name is JAWS Dream warriors if you would like to donate to her cause she raises funds all year long for the cause. She was also past Miami Walk chair. She was also, 2018 Ambassador for PatientsLikeMe and now a Care Coordinator for Eve’s Hope. There is not a person or cause she does not want to assist. Jeanette received her MBA with a minor in Marketing from Nova Southeastern University.

Gina Schell FL Ambassdor
Gina Schell

I am a 11 year lupus warrior who has the benefit of experiencing the disease from the perspective of a patient and a physician. My journey with lupus has been arduous and ultimately prevented me from practicing medicine, however, it propelled me into transforming myself and my career into a healthier and more sustainable one. Lupus has provided me with the ability to model a resilient attitude for our daughter who was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Ultimately, despite the daily pain, the mountain of medications, and the physical limitations I don’t regret the path that Lupus has taken me. It one of growth, humility, and resolve.

Looking For More Information?

For more information on how to become involved, please contact us at infose@lupus.org or 1-561-279-8606.