ABOUT:
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest private sector organization dedicated to advancing lupus research. They serve as the primary catalyst to yield important scientific discoveries into the prevention, treatment and cure of lupus.
Juana Mata is a Children's Social Worker for the Department of Children and Family Services.
She has been working for DCFS for the past 25 years.
Juana works with children and their families to assist, support, and guide them through the process of separation, reunification, maintenance, and or adoption.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure the children’s safety and well being while strengthening the families.
Juana was diagnosed with SLE lupus and rheumatoid arthritis in 2009. There was very little information about lupus, therefore Juana and her sisters Estela and Aracely founded Looms for Lupus and help others. Looms for Lupus is a nonprofit organization that provides support for Lupus survivors, their families and caregivers. Over the past 9 years Juana co-facilitates a support group in Baldwin Park Every second Saturday of the month, works with other organizations to raise awareness and amplifies the patients voice.
Juana is the CFO of Looms for Lupus and has been working with several organizations to increase Lupus Awareness by sharing her story and advocating for herself and educating others on the importance of advocacy. She is part of the Lupus Multicultural Task Force for Lupus Research Alliance, is part of the Lupus Patient Advisory Council Members for Lupus LA, Board member of Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc., Patients Like Me 2019 Advisor, and is an active participant of the 32nd District Mental Health Consortium led by Congresswoman Napolitano.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The Lupus Research Alliance is holding a walk on Sunday, April 14th at Dignity Health Sports Park to raise money to cure lupus.
Every dollar raised goes directly to lupus research.
Visit lupuswalkla.org and register today.
Find out how you can participate as an individual or start a walk team and make a difference in the lives of people affected by lupus. Walk with Us to Cure Lupus! Please register at lupuswalkla.org today.
Looms for Lupus is a non-profit corporation providing resources and awareness to minority families and those affected by Lupus. The program will form partnerships with similar agencies and patient care facilities.
For more information on Looms for Lupus, visit here!
Join Kari Steele as she speaks to Juana and Estela more about the Lupus Research Alliance.