Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia
Georgia Lupus Empowerment Conference
This isn’t just another conference, it’s a celebration of strength, community, and progress. We’re bringing together patients, families, doctors, researchers, and advocates who all share one powerful mission: to make life better for the more than 55,000 Georgians living with lupus.
FREE PROGAM - includes lunch, refreshments, and free parking
Breakout Sessions
Decoding Your Lab Work
Understanding lupus lab results can be confusing. This topic helps you interpret common tests like ANA, anti-dsDNA, and complement levels, which are used to diagnose lupus and monitor disease activity. It explains what abnormal values might mean and encourages patients to discuss results with their healthcare provider.
Let’s Get Moving
Physical activity is a key part of managing lupus. The session offers guidance on safe exercises, overcoming fatigue, and building movement into daily life to improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Toolkits and fact sheets support individuals at all fitness levels.
No More Shoulds: Your Personal Growth Journey
Do you have trouble facing transition? This session focuses on emotional resilience and personal empowerment in the face of lupus. It encourages letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth through shared stories and reflections from people living with lupus.
Strategies for Self-Management
Self-management empowers individuals to take control of their lupus care. This topic covers strategies like symptom tracking, medication adherence, stress reduction, and goal setting. Programs like SELF (Strategies for Embracing Living with Lupus Fearlessly) help build these skills.
Getting Back the Lupus Basics
A foundational overview of lupus, this topic explains what lupus is, how it's diagnosed, common symptoms, and treatment options. It’s ideal for those newly diagnosed or seeking a refresher on the essentials of living with lupus.
Social Security Disability
Disability can be hard to navigate. In this session we explain how lupus patients may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It outlines the criteria in the SSA’s Blue Book, the importance of medical documentation, and how lupus symptoms can impact work ability.
Making Your Voice Count Through Advocacy
Advocacy is vital for improving lupus care and research. This topic encourages patients to share their stories, participate in policy discussions, and join support organizations. It highlights the importance of diverse voices in shaping healthcare equity.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge lupus treatments and contribute to medical research. This topic explains how trials work, what participation involves, and how to find studies that match your condition and location.
Lupus and Your Kidneys
Lupus can cause kidney inflammation, known as lupus nephritis. This topic discusses symptoms like swelling and foamy urine, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and lifestyle changes to protect kidney health.
Financial Planning
Managing finances with lupus can be challenging due to medical costs and employment issues. This topic provides budget tips, information on insurance and disability benefits, and resources for financial assistance and planning.
Fibromyalgia
Often co-occurring with lupus, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. This topic explores how it overlaps with lupus, how it's diagnosed, and strategies for symptom management and improving quality of life.
Lupus and Nutrition
Nutrition plays a key role in managing lupus symptoms and overall health. This topic offers dietary tips to reduce inflammation, support kidney function, and maintain energy levels, including guidance on sodium, protein, and fat intake.