Joint Endeavors

05/18/2026

Kristen Johnston:
Actor and Lupus Warrior

At age 46, Emmy winner and 3rd Rock from the Sun actor Kristen Johnston noticed weakness with climbing stairs. She eventually became so weak she could not hold up her head without a neck brace.

Four months and 17 doctors later, the physicians at Mayo Clinic finally diagnosed lupus myelitis, a rare manifestation of lupus in which the immune system attacks the spinal cord. She was treated with chemotherapy and steroids, and she achieved remission six months later.

“Every single day is a gift, and I don’t take one second of it for granted,” she said in an interview with People in 2014.

In 2014 Johnston also attended the 14th Annual Lupus LA Orange Ball in Beverly Hills, California, and has since continued to speak publicly about the severity of her disease.

05/16/2026

05/14/2026

Arthritis U: SLE and Treatment this evening 5/14/26 at 6pm using GoToMeeting

This class will cover the drugs available to treat SLE, nonmedical treatment options such as protection from ultraviolet light and the role of complementary medicine

05/13/2026

Nick Cannon: Comedian, Television Personality and Lupus Warrior
Nick Cannon, 37 years old, was first diagnosed with lupus in 2012. In late 2011, he started to feel fatigued and had swollen, painful knees. In early 2012, he was hospitalized while in aspen and soon diagnosed with lupus.
Though 90% of people with lupus are women, men get it, too, and can often have more severe disease. Cannon has had more severe lupus with blood clots and kidney disease, but is currently doing well. Thankfully, His lupus was diagnosed before it could do serious damage.
He changed his diet, eliminating the sodium packed processed foods that can increase blood pressure while adding more fruits and vegetables. He has learned to pace himself, meditates and exercises regularly.
Cannon started a YouTube series about lupus called “Ncredible health Hustle,” and has worked with the Lupus Foundation of America to raise awareness. He has said, “Stepping up and being the face of lupus has actually helped me get through it. I see it as a blessing, not a curse. I have lupus, lupus does not have me.”

05/10/2026

Throw on some purple today is support of those with SLE!💜

05/08/2026

We're honoring World Lupus Day early, wearing purple for those with SLE:

05/07/2026

May is Lupus Awareness Month:

05/05/2026

May is Lupus Awareness Month.

Carrie Ann Inaba started her career in Japan. After moving the U.S., she was a Fly Girl on In Living Color, and in more recent years has been a judge on Dancing With the Stars and a co-host on The Talk. She has been open about having rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren's syndrome.
In late April 2021, Inaba announced she was taking a leave of absence from The Talk to focus on her health, and she exited that show later that year. Inaba said on her website, Carrie Ann Conversations, “Coping with autoimmune conditions can sometimes feel quite lonely. When I first got diagnosed, some encouraged me to keep my struggles to myself, but I’ve found that it’s always been better to be honest about my needs and realities than to stay silent. I believe strongly in sharing my journey, my solutions, and the things that have helped me with anyone who could use it — this is how communities are formed.”
In NIH Medline Plus Magazine, Inaba stressed the importance of exercise and meditation, stating, "Thankfully, over time, I have learned that a slow and steady approach to my workouts helps me avoid flare ups of my conditions. Working out has also helped me get in tune with my body and that is important. Listen to your body. It knows. Yoga has been a lifesaver for me. The breathing techniques are so powerful for calming your system down and relieving stress. I use a lot of meditation apps. I've been using one for years every night before I go to bed and when I'm in need of a short, five-minute break during the day. I also use acupuncture and massage to help relieve pain, as well as medications."
Inaba's advice to others with autoimmune disease? "Make sure you're eating well and keeping movement a part of your daily regimen, no matter how difficult it is--even if it means at night before you go to bed, doing shoulder stretches and arm circles. The simplest things to keep your body moving are so important."

Read More: https://www.healthdigest.com/1034974/carrie-ann-inaba-opens-up-about-living-with-chronic-illnesses-exclusive-interview/
Regarding self-care, Inaba said, "Your body is such an amazing gift. But if you don’t take care of it, it doesn’t work so well." Through exercise, healthy eating and medication.

05/04/2026

05/03/2026

May is Lupus Awareness Month:

05/01/2026

Slide over, Pink Snails--it's time for Purple Butterflies!