As a reflection of the Foundation’s commitment to creating a world without lupus and increasing awareness of the disease, the Foundation produces exhibits, seminars, publications, and several activities that are mostly free of charge.
The activities are classified into two, Annual and Seasonal, depending on how frequently the Foundation does the activity. Below are some of the activities of the Foundation.
HOPE FOR LUPUS FOUNDATION
Seasonal Projects
EXHIBITS
1. Faces of Lupus
The launching of the Foundation was done by unveiling HFL’s first photo exhibit entitled Faces of Lupus. The event is in partnership with PGH Bridging Fund for Lupus and was held at the CCP Complex, Manila.
2. The Moving Butterfly Exhibit
Butterflies became one of the symbols of lupus along with the purple ribbon. The very reason behind this is that lupus patients develop a rash across their cheeks especially when they are in a “flare” (lupus is highly active). The rash mimics a butterfly shape hence, the symbol.
In partnership with SM and Ayala malls, HFL has launched an exhibit called the Moving Butterfly to spread awareness of lupus. The exhibit answers the general queries regarding lupus. It was displayed for a month in various SM and Ayala mall branches within Metro Manila.
3. Scarred but not Scared Photo Exhibit
In partnership with four multi-awarded photographers Jose Antonio Aliling, Bien Bautista, Josefino Mario De Guzman, and Maria Victoria Manotok-Arroyo, the Scarred but not Scared photo exhibit attempts to capture a glimpse of the lives of some of those who continue to courageously endure their lupus battles against lupus. The exhibit was displayed in Greenbelt Mall and Shangri-La Mall.
4. Tree of Hope
Last 2019, HFL commemorates Lupus Awareness Month by acknowledging the efforts, commitment, and selfless love of the caregivers to lupus patients. Lupus warriors expressed their heartfelt dedication to their loved ones as they hang their messages on the dedication tree— displaying their love to the public. The Tree of Hope is the first big project conceptualized, facilitated, and organized by volunteers, which was displayed at SM Mall of Asia. The event was in partnership with SM Supermalls.
5. Other exhibits
Other than the private sector, HFL also facilitates coordination between primary care providers and rheumatologists to ensure that people with lupus are diagnosed early and receive proper treatments. Hence, HFL also held exhibits in hospitals in partnership with Makati Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
PUBLICATIONS
1. Living Better with Lupus
Other than the private sector, HFL also facilitates coordination between primary care providers and rheumatologists to ensure that people with lupus are diagnosed early and receive proper treatments. Hence, HFL also held exhibits in hospitals in partnership with Makati Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
2. Lupus, Kayang-Kaya Ko ‘To
Hope for Lupus Foundation launched its second book entitled “Lupus, kayang-kaya ko ‘to!” at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. “Lupus, kayang-kaya ko ‘to!” is an info-graphic booklet that is written in conversational Filipino and contains concise and basic information about lupus. In partnership with the Department of Health the booklet “Lupus, Kayang-kaya Ko ‘to!” is going to be distributed for free in all health centers and government hospitals all over the Philippines. Sec. Duque expressed his intentions to create a Philhealth lupus package for indigent lupus patients and he gave his commitment to include certain lupus media like Belimumab and Hydroxychloroquine in the National Drug Formulary. This will be a big help to indigent lupus patients who cannot afford the medication for lupus.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES:
1. Run for Hope
In 2018, a Fun Run was conducted to help spread awareness of Lupus. The event was made possible by our partners: CCIP (Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines), Ever Bilena, SM Mall of Asia, and AyalaLand.
2. Art Auction for Hope
In 2021, Hope for Lupus has partnered with Gavel&Block by Salcedo Auctions to raise funds that will be used to support their projects and provide financial help to indigent patients who depend on the organization. With close to 100 lots, the online charity auction showcased works by leading contemporary Filipino visual artists like Emmanuel Garibay, Raffy Napay, Jigger Cruz, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr., Manuel Ocampo, Daniel dela Cruz, Winner Jumalon, and Olan Ventura.
HOPE FOR LUPUS FOUNDATION
Annual Projects
Monthly Meet-up
Aside from lupus, most patients (and even family members) also deal with anxiety, loss, and depression. Every month, Hope for Lupus reaches out to members to provide emotional support through its meet-up. Meet-ups are a safe space for patients to freely express their feelings and emotions to other lupus patients so that can get a better grip and understand the things that they are experiencing.
Training
Hope for Lupus Foundation provides seminars and training to its members to boost their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The members are free to join activities such as Zumba, yoga, and a lot more!
Lectures
HFL conducts free lectures on lupus to local barangays and various groups.
Medical and Burial Assistance
The Hope for Lupus Foundation reaches out to its members who are confined in hospitals through its Medical Assistance program. The Medical Assistance program is a one-time donation worth PHP 2,500, which is given to patients who are admitted in a hospital. The Foundation also reaches the family members of lupus patients who have departed. The Burial Assistance is worth PHP 3,000.
Gift-giving
Every year, the Foundation celebrates its anniversary through a Christmas party wherein part of the program always includes gift-giving and raffle draws. Most of the prizes and tokens are donations from our generous friends and various partners.
These are just some of HFL‘s projects to show that the Foundation is dedicated to its vision of creating a world without lupus. HFL also collaborates with other initiatives that fund lupus research to improve treatments for lupus with the end goal of finding a cure for it.
