When a 15-year-old Lucy C. Laney High School student died this year of lupus, Skip to My Lupus Inc. stepped in.
"This was a young lady who was outgoing and full of life, so her death was really unexpected and it really bothered us," said Vanetta Lawrence, who was assistant principal at Laney at the time.
"Then, I got a call from Skip to My Lupus, and the first thing they asked me was, 'What can we do?' " she said. "They came in and talked to us and the students about lupus and gave us information. They also provided support for the student's nuclear family and her school family. What they did really meant a lot to us, the family and the students."
Since it was founded two years ago by Tamara Vernon Williams and her daughter Alison Sheppard, the organization has been on a mission to educate the community about lupus, provide support for those with lupus and their families, fund research, attend conferences and meet with legislators to discuss the disease and its impact.
Mrs. Williams and Ms. Sheppard both have lupus, an inflammatory disease that causes skin lesions and can also affect joints, the blood and the kidneys.
"We know what it's like. We know what others who suffer with lupus go through because we are going through it, too," Mrs. Williams said. "God has blessed us to meet people who have helped us to help others, and for that we are grateful."
Their personal experience is what encouraged Monique Darlington, who has lupus, to start attending the organization's support groups and conferences.
"It was a very positive atmosphere, and we all need that," said Ms. Darlington, who is now the organization's Web designer.
Skip to My Lupus will have A Toast to the Stars Honors Ceremony on Sept. 28 at The Boathouse to show its appreciation to the people who have supported the organization and to promote awareness about lupus and the organization.
In addition to the honors ceremony, the event will feature music, a buffet and "endless champagne," Mrs. Williams said.
For more information about Skip to My Lupus, visit www.skiptomylupus.org, www.myspace.com/skiptomylupusinc or call (706) 496-2558.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: A Toast to the Stars Honors Ceremony
WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
WHERE: The Boathouse, 101 Riverfront Drive
COST: $40 per person, $70 per couple
OTHER: Tickets may be bought in advance until Wednesday by calling (706) 496-2558 or online at www.skiptomylupus.org. Tickets will be sold at the door for the same price.
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