About Us

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We are dedicated to empowering Lupus warriors and individuals impacted by autoimmune diseases. Through advocacy, education, and compassionate support, we strive to create a united community that uplifts and improves the lives of those on their journey with Lupus.

Our Mission

LupUs Together connects Lupus warriors through programs, education, and support, fostering connections among patients, providers, and the community. Our advocacy, empathy, and knowledge create a compassionate and informed community, uplifting everyone affected by it.

Our Values

We are driven by compassion, empathy, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Lupus warriors and individuals affected by autoimmune diseases. Our core values of advocacy, education, support, and community engagement create a nurturing environment that empowers, uplifts, and unites everyone impacted by these challenging conditions.

Our Vision

At LupUs Together, our vision is a world where Lupus is widely understood, compassionately supported, and ultimately cured. We aim to create a society that embraces and empowers those affected by Lupus, while fostering research and innovation to bring an end to this autoimmune disease.

OUR STORY

Making Change Possible

LupUs Together was born from the personal journey of its founder, Sharifah Kee, a courageous Lupus survivor with a vision to make a difference. In 2023, after ten years of battling Lupus, Sharifah decided to transform her personal struggles into a powerful force for change. Fuelled by a passion to empower others facing similar challenges, she set out on a mission to create an organization that would uplift and support those impacted by Lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Today, LupUs Together stands as a beacon of hope and unity, driven by their core values of advocacy, education, support, and community engagement.

OUR BOARD

Where Passion and Dedication Meet

Sharifah Kee, President/Founder

In 2023, after a decade-long battle with Lupus, Sharifah channeled her struggles into transformative action. Driven by a passion to empower others, she founded LupUs Together to uplift and support those facing autoimmune diseases.

Our organization, fueled by Sharifah Kee's vision and dedicated team, embodies compassion and resilience. Together, we work tirelessly to create a brighter future for all impacted by Lupus, leaving lasting positive impacts on every life we touch.

Elizabeth SantaCruz, Treasurer

Elizabeth SantaCruz is the mother of two children, she became a passionate advocate for raising Lupus Awareness after her daughter was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 9.

Elizabeth is a proud Berkeley College alumna who graduated in 2005 with a B.B.A. in Accounting. Her training allowed her to become more business oriented and analytical. Berkeley College not only gave her the skills she needed for her job as an Accountant, but also for her newfound role as a caregiver and Lupus advocate.

Valerie Shaw, Secretary

Valerie's love for service matches her passion for peacocks. As a caregiver to family members, she discovered a deep empathy for those facing physical and cognitive challenges.

Nicknamed "The Resource Lady" for her ability to empower others, she finds joy in positive outcomes. Now, Valerie brings her commitment to community service to LupUs Together, eager to make a meaningful impact.

Gloria J. Watts, Asst. Treasurer/Board Advisor

Gloria Jefferson-Watts, a devoted mother of two and grandmother of three, dedicated 48 years to managing services for disabled individuals at ARC and The Cerebral Palsy Center in NJ. Even in retirement, Gloria's compassionate spirit thrives through volunteering with the American Red Cross and leading the Women’s Rainbow Group since 2002. She remains steadfast in her church roles as a Deaconess and Trustee.

Gloria's unwavering support for her daughter Sharifah fuels her desire to understand and advocate for lupus awareness, offering continual love, prayers, and encouragement.

Charlotte Norris

Charlotte Norris, a seasoned community activist, brings over 40 years of expertise in nonprofit management, communications, and grant writing. She serves at Destiny Baptist Church and on boards for United Way and Eastern WV Community Foundation. Charlotte is a founding member of initiatives like Burke Street Promise Neighborhood and Martinsburg Farmers Market.

A University of Kansas alumna, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and cherishing time with her husband Bill, daughters Tara and Onita, and grandbabies Amani and Amari.

Janel Bell

Janel Bell, an alumna of Fairleigh Dickinson and Rutgers University, transitioned from producing community-based shows at Channel Fox 5 to a career in Human Services over 15 years ago. Inspired by addressing social needs, Janel now focuses on strengthening programs through leadership, advocacy, and national policy support, enhancing safety and independence for all.

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

OUR DONORS

Our donors are the backbone of LupUs Together. Thanks to their support, we are able to provide resources and assistance to those living with lupus.