Advocacy and Legislation | Southeast

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.

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.

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.