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Advocacy and Legislation | Southeast

Join the Fight Against Lupus

Lupus advocates power the mission, securing $201M for research and care. They educate officials and push for better treatments—no expertise needed, just passion and dedication.

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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.

Southeast National Advo Summit

Join lupus warriors from all over the country for the nation's largest lupus advocacy event of the year! The Lupus Foundation of America's National Lupus Advocacy Summit will take place May 4-6, 2025, in Washington, DC. Summit attendees will learn from experts in the field about the latest in lupus research, connect with hundreds of their fellow lupus warriors, and advocate to increase lupus research funding and advance policies to improve the lives of all people with lupus. Don’t miss your chance to turn Capitol Hill purple - stay tuned for registration in early January 2025!

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Meet Our Advocacy Co-Chairs
Jeanette Alston-Watkins

 

FL Support Group Facilitator 7

 

 

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

 

southeast GIna

 

 

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.

Registration for the 2025 Summit will be Opening Soon!

Sign up as an advocate and you'll receive the latest news and updates about the 2025 National Lupus Advocacy Summit, important policy issues, and opportunities to contact your members of Congress in support of people affected by lupus.

Looking For More Information?

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