Lupus LA announced the members of its inaugural 2024 Patient Advocacy Panel. The new panel will spotlight personal narratives from patients living with lupus to help increase lupus awareness, foster a deeper understanding of the disease, improve diagnosis and care, and inspire the development of novel lupus therapeutics and the discovery of a potential cure. Through the panel, the newly named patient leaders will work with Lupus LA to promote the organization’s initiatives and events, shape public perception of lupus, amplify the needs of the lupus community, and offer insights to enhance patient experiences. “Every day, we strive to turn each story of suffering into one of hope through our comprehensive patient services, medical research support, and impact on national advocacy,” concluded Susan Bazarsky, Executive Director of Lupus LA. The members of the 2024 Patient Advocacy Panel—all of whom have been diagnosed with lupus—are:
- Vania Dzib, an infant therapist
- Cambria Francesca, a model, influencer, and lupus advocate
- Victoria Gibbs, a yoga athlete and instructor, model, influencer, health and wellness entrepreneur, and lupus advocate
- Lexi Hamburger, a student at the University of Colorado
- Liz Morasso, LCSW, a psychotherapist
- Stacey Uberstine, a patient advocate and member of the board at Lupus LA
- Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon, a showrunner, patient advocate, and Co-Chair of Lupus LA.