Lupus support group to hold conference

Skip to My Lupus Inc. will hold a women's empowerment conference Jan. 19 for women with lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

"In our support group, we discuss the different changes we go through with the disease. We wanted a way to show that we can still have a positive quality of life," said founder Tamara Vernon-Williams, who has lupus.

The conference, whose theme is A New Year, A New You, will feature presentations by representatives from Mary Kay Cosmetics, Warm Spirit, Planned Parenthood, Pure Romance and Reike. Lunch will be served.

Ms. Vernon-Williams said the goal is to increase women's confidence.

"We want to show them that you can go on with life," she said. "Let women know that you can live a prosperous life, even with lupus or an autoimmune disorder."

Skip to My Lupus is a nonprofit organization that sponsors research on lupus and provides support for those suffering from the disease.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.