Andrea's Gift Foundation South Africa - Lupus Support

17/09/2026

Delicate balance to manage your symptons

11/09/2026

💜 NEW BLOG: A REAL LUPUS STORY 💜

“Lupus may be part of my story, but it will never be the author of it.”

Meet Michaela Fillis from Port Elizabeth, a patient at Livingstone Hospital whose lupus journey began while she was still in matric.

Michaela has faced systemic lupus, seizures, neuropsychiatric lupus, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, multiple treatments, and even a life-threatening battle with COVID-19 that left her in ICU on a ventilator.

But her story did not end there. 💜

In 2024, Michaela found the courage to begin again and started studying Education through UNISA. Today, she is building a future filled with dreams, love and hope. 🦋

Her message to every lupus warrior is powerful:

“I have lupus, but lupus does not have me.”

Read Michaela’s inspiring story on our latest Andrea’s Gift Foundation blog:

https://andreasgiftfoundation.org/michaela-fillis-from-port-elizabeth-patient-at-livingstone-hospital/

💜 Real Stories. Real Hope.

Music 🎶 🎵: I choose me SIA
https://youtu.be/ZmksLr0EHys?is=tXpNDOhNWv5hoCGb

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

💜 LUPUS & TRAUMA — A CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS 💜

Living with lupus affects so much more than the body.

A diagnosis, repeated hospital stays, frightening medical experiences, chronic pain, loss, uncertainty and even feeling unheard or misunderstood can leave emotional wounds that are not always visible.

In this episode of the Lupus South Africa & Andrea’s Gift Podcast, we talk openly about Lupus and Trauma. 🦋

🎙️ We explore:
• What trauma is and how it can affect us
• Recognising traumatic experiences and emotional responses
• The connection between chronic illness and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding PTSD
• Healthy ways of coping with trauma
• When and how to reach out for professional support

Sometimes we become so focused on treating the physical effects of lupus that we forget about the person carrying them.

Your emotional wellbeing matters too. 💜

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it is one of the strongest things we can do for ourselves.

🎧 Watch our Lupus & Trauma podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3FuOmBvlr0

Please share this episode. Someone in our lupus community may need to hear this conversation today. 🦋

Two Foundations. One Mission. One Lupus Community. 💜

28/08/2026

💜 PATIENT EDUCATION | LIVINGSTONE HOSPITAL 💜
Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones that aren’t planned.

During a recent visit to Livingstone Hospital, our team was given a very special opportunity to sit down with a small group of newly diagnosed lupus patients.

For someone who has just heard the words “You have lupus,” there can be so many questions, fears and uncertainties. Having the opportunity to sit together, talk openly, share information and remind these patients that they do not have to walk this journey alone was incredibly meaningful.

What made this visit particularly special was being joined by Dr Emma Gardiner, Head of Rheumatology at Livingstone Hospital, who took the time to speak with the patients and contribute her medical knowledge and guidance. Having healthcare professionals and patient organisations sitting together, speaking directly with patients, is exactly the kind of collaboration we believe can make a difference.
We also had the opportunity to spend time with the wonderful rheumatology clinic team — people whose compassion and dedication to their patients can be felt the moment you walk through the doors. 💜

Our involvement at Livingstone Hospital dates back to 2018, and although working within public hospitals can sometimes happen quietly and behind the scenes, this is an important part of what we do: meeting patients where they are, providing education, offering support and helping them understand that a lupus diagnosis does not mean they have to face the future alone.

This particular visit came together at very short notice, which makes the footage a little informal — but perhaps that is what makes it so special. It captures a genuine moment of doctors, patients and patient advocates simply sitting together and talking.

To Dr Gardiner and the incredible rheumatology team at Livingstone Hospital, thank you for welcoming us, for the work you do every day, and for allowing us to be part of your patients’ journey.

And to every newly diagnosed lupus patient:
🦋 You are not alone.
There is information.
There is support.
There is a community standing beside you.

💜 Two Foundations. One Mission.
Supporting • Educating • Empowering people living with lupus

Music 🎶🎵: Leon on me- Bill Withers-Karaoke
https://youtu.be/p84rf4mz0MM?is=DS7ci79uVNgHTmt5

21/08/2026

💜 LUPUS TIPS: LUPUS & FATIGUE 💜

Fatigue is one of the most common — and often one of the most misunderstood — symptoms of lupus.

It’s not simply being tired after a busy day. Lupus fatigue can feel overwhelming, affecting your concentration, your ability to work, your social life and even the simplest everyday tasks.

🎙️ In this episode of Lupus Tips, we talk about Lupus & Fatigue — why it happens, how it affects daily life, and ways we can learn to manage our energy a little better.

For many lupus warriors, learning to pace yourself and listen to your body isn’t giving in — it’s part of learning how to live well with lupus. 🦋

🎧 Watch Lupus Tips: Lupus & Fatigue here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yo7vr9tUF0

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
How does lupus fatigue affect you, and what have you found helps you cope?

Please share this with someone who may need to understand that lupus fatigue is real. 💜

15/08/2026

💜 WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FUNDRAISING PARTNER! 💜

Andrea’s Gift Foundation and Lupus South Africa are looking for a passionate, driven Fundraising Consultant / Fundraising Partner to join us on the next chapter of our journey.

For years, our organisations have worked to support, educate and advocate for people living with lupus. We have built an incredible community, developed valuable patient resources, created awareness and established relationships both in South Africa and internationally.

Now we need someone who can help us turn that reach and impact into sustainable funding.

We’re looking for someone who understands — or is eager to work in:

💜 Fundraising
💜 Corporate sponsorships
💜 Grant opportunities
💜 Strategic partnerships
💜 Donor and relationship development

This is currently a commission/performance-based opportunity, with the potential to develop into a long-term partnership as our funding grows.

We would especially love to hear from someone who is self-motivated, creative, confident approaching organisations and funders, and who genuinely wants their work to make a difference.

🌍 The role is flexible and remote.

If you have fundraising experience — or you know someone who would be perfect for us — please share this post or tag them below. Sometimes the right person is only one share away. 💜🦋

📩 To apply or find out more:
[email protected]

Please see the attached images for the full position details.

Help us find the person who can help us take our mission further. 💜

10/08/2026

Keshni Mahomed- AGf proud to be part of your book launch. Lupus warriors get your story out there is can change someone's hopelessness into HOPE.

23/07/2026

💜 NEW ON THE ANDREA'S GIFT FOUNDATION BLOG

The Day I Stopped Fighting My Body and Started Listening to It
By Prithee G.

Living with a chronic illness often teaches us to push harder, ignore the warning signs, and keep fighting. But what if healing also means learning to listen?

In this heartfelt and honest blog, Prithee shares her personal journey of moving from battling her body to embracing it with compassion, grace, and understanding. Her story is a powerful reminder that our bodies are not our enemies—they are carrying us through battles that few people can see.

If you've ever felt frustrated, exhausted, or at war with your own body, this is a story you won't want to miss. 💜

📖 Read the full blog here: "The Day I Stopped Fighting My Body and Started Listening to It" (https://andreasgiftfoundation.org/the-day-i-stopped-fighting-my-body-and-started-listening-to-it-by-prithee-g/)

💜 We'd love to hear your thoughts. Has your journey with illness taught you to listen to your body differently? Share your experience in the comments.