The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter
The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter (LFAI), formed in 1973, is the Midwest’s leading non-profit health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. The National organization has nearly 300 chapters and support groups in 32 states.The mission of LFAI is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes and cure.
The LFAI provides programs and services to address the needs of Illinois’ lupus community – including the Lupus Navigator Program assist Illinois’ lupus community with the unique and specific needs of individuals living with lupus. The program employs a registered nurse who serves as the Lupus Navigator to work one-on-one with the lupus community and address their specific needs. This service is provided to Illinois residents at no cost.
Lupus is an immune system that is out of balance and can be destructive to any major organ or tissue in the body. Lupus can be very unpredictable and is potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists.
An estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus, 65,000 in Illinois alone. There is no cure for lupus and there is no single test to diagnose it. There hasn’t been a new treatment approved for lupus in 50 years. Funding for lupus research has lagged behind funding for other similar diseases.
Lupus can damage any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys and brain. No organ is spared. The disease can cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages and kidney failure. Thousands of people with lupus die every year.
Although lupus can occur at any age, and in either sex, it is a disease that discriminates - 90% of people with lupus are women in the prime of their lives. Lupus is more prevalent in African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians. Both African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more symptoms at diagnosis (including kidney problems) and have more severe disease than whites.
For more information on lupus and the LFAI, please email Sonya Loynachan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call 312-542-0002 or visit www.lupusil.org
Volunteer Opportunities: How You Can Help
Join the LFAI’s Advocacy Network!
Do you have an interest in lupus awareness and would like to learn more about talking to your senators and representatives about the importance of lupus legislation? If so, the LFAI’s Advocacy Network is for you. Please contact Sonya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
LFAI General Office Support!
There is always something to be done at the LFAI office! If you have time to come down to the office and lend a hand with general office duties, please contact Sonya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Latino Outreach Volunteer Committee
The LFAI is forming a Latino Outreach Volunteer Committee to improve our outreach efforts in the Latino Community. If you speak Spanish or simply have an interest in Latino outreach, please email Sonya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 312-542-0002.
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