About Us
Welcome to Lupus Has No Face, a local non-profit organization founded in May of 2020 and dedicated to empowering those affected by Lupus. Our mission is to provide resources and support to those battling this chronic autoimmune disease. We believe in creating a community that fosters hope, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Our Mission
Mission Statement: Lupus Has No Face mission is to improve the quality of life for all individuals diagnosed and affected by Lupus by providing programs that support not only the warriors but our families and friends, educate, raise awareness, build relationships with our communities, and influence others to advocate.
Lupus Has No Face is committed to providing encouragement and support to those who are affected by lupus. Through our resources and services, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness. Whether you are seeking educational materials, beauty and wellness support, or inspiration to stay positive and motivated, we are here to help you on your journey. Our mission is to continue to make it known that you don't have to look like what you've been through!
Our Vision
Our goal at Lupus Has No Face is to create a community of educated individuals who understand the challenges faced by those living with this autoimmune disease. While lupus is not life-threatening for some it can be life threatening and terminally impacting for others, becoming emotionally and physically overwhelming to those affected. We believe in spreading awareness and resources to help those warriors to "not look like what they have been through."
We believe that every person battling lupus has the strength to overcome it and thrive. Our goal is to encourage everyone to embrace who they are, define their future, and change the world, one small action at a time.
More About Our Founder
Our founder, Savanna Burks, is a twin and the youngest of three, who has a passion for beauty and elegance. She understands first-hand the struggles of living with lupus, including the frustrating stereotype that comes with it. Too often, we hear the phrase 'you don't look like you have lupus,' which is why our goal is to educate, inspire, uplift and let our lupus warriors know that they are not alone. We aim to create a community where everyone can feel empowered and share their stories with pride. Lupus Has No Face, a non-profit organization was created May 17, 2020, and dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by lupus. Our mission is to empower lupus warriors to thrive by providing them with the support and resources they need. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive community where everyone feels accepted and valued, regardless of their background or struggles. Join us on our journey to improve the quality of life for those living with lupus and help us make a difference today.
My Story With Lupus
I remember one of the first times I shared with someone that I had Lupus and to my surprise their reply was, “You don’t look like you have Lupus! I said to myself, what does Lupus look like? And hence Lupus Has No Face was founded in May 2020.
When it comes to a chronic autoimmune disorder there is NO definition of what this condition looks like. You don’t have to be a specific color, gender, age, size or have a particular social economic status. An autoimmune disorder is something that anyone can experience. When one must live life with a chronic disorder it is essential to have a relatable, resourceful, and supportive community.
When I first began experiencing chronic sickness, I lost my appetite, I was fatigue and I had multiple trips to the emergency room for my symptoms. Due to all the symptoms I was experiencing I had an appointment scheduled with my primary physician. I went to the appointment and passed out. I woke up three months later, I was in a coma for three months. I was only 13 years old at the time and my body had completely shut down.
After coming out of the coma I experienced a four-month recovery process. I had to learn how to walk again, how to talk again and how to live again. At the age of 13 I didn’t understand or accept the diagnosis of Lupus. I felt I was still a child and I had so much life ahead of me, I asked myself how could this happen to me, I was hurt. It was through my supportive family that I was able to process with my current reality and I realized that I was not in this fight alone. Going through the process of a life altering diagnosis is like tunnel vision. And in that tunnel, it’s dark, you can feel alone, you feel helpless and at times hopeless.