The Truth Staff
Rachelle Roy, lupus survivor and warrior, hosted a Living with Lupus Weekend May 16-18. The four-part event kicked off with Paint & Sip at The Trunk, continued with a free wig give away at 1010 Dorr St. Saturday afternoon and karaoke night at The Bluegill and ended with her annual Walk for Lupus at Ottawa Park Sunday morning. All proceeds from the events supported the Lupus Foundation.
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. (source: lupus.org)
Anyone can develop lupus. But certain people are at higher risk for lupus, including:
- Women ages 15 to 44
- Certain racial or ethnic groups — including people who are African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander
- People who have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease (source: lupus.org)
Lupus has various symptoms and can affect individuals in different ways. Those who suffer from lupus can have issues with fatigue, damage to organs including kidneys and may develop skin problems.
Lupus can also cause hair loss due to the autoimmune disease itself or due to the medications prescribed to help battle symptoms from the disease.On Saturday morning a wig give away was held at 1010 Dorr Street. This was the third annual wig give away that Roy has hosted. “I have a new wig section and a used wig section.,” stated Roy, all the wigs in the used section have been washed… if [the wigs] aren’t looking right we’re not bringing them out! We’re trying to make sure everyone walks out a beautiful butterfly.”
Saturday night found Roy and the lupus survivors and supporters at The Bluegill Fishing Club for an evening of karaoke before a packed crowd.
Stepping up for Lupus Awareness and Champion Remembrance
By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
On Sunday, May 18, Rachelle Roy held her fourth annual “Living with Lupus Walk,” during which she hosted community members for fellowship, Lupus education and special gifts for those that are living with Lupus.
One big gift being a six-seater golf cart brought by Kingtone Rental Carts, an accommodation Roy wanted to ensure that was in place for participants whose battle with Lupus has affected their mobility.
Attendees arrived at Ottawa Park with donations and in a royal display of advocacy in purple attire. Families such as the one of late Joyce Goings, a Lupus champion transitioned in 2024, ensured their presence to continue a legacy of the community Rachelle Roy has brought forward. Roy pioneered her efforts for Lupus awareness from her own experience of isolation on knowledge about Lupus.
She has previously used her personal celebrations to raise money to support the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter. After raising over $1500, Rachelle noticed the growing amount of community members affected by Lupus and wanted to grow the conversation.
“Each year I’ve done it, I’ve learned so much” stated Roy, as she recollected taking .45 cent donations at birthday parties, to now transcending into receiving sponsorship and partnership support.
Roy keeps afoot of motivation to pass along to the community “The more I’m out here, the more people talk.” Which brought in support from leaders within the Victory Center, National Center for Urban Solutions, the Corvette Club, BlueGill Fishing Club, and other various advocacy agencies.
Rachelle Roy continues to rally for more participation through Lupus Awareness to further support the Lupus Foundation and generate community support for other Toledo Lupus champions.
