NoniM Lupus Foundation

24/09/2026

Happy Heritage Day
Today is a reminder of what makes us proudly South African — the languages we speak, the food we share, the songs we sing, our traditions, our families and the stories passed down from generation to generation.

Our heritage lives in how we love, how we care for one another and how we come together as a community. That spirit of Ubuntu is at the heart of who we are.

Today, we also remember every lupus warrior and family affected by lupus. Whatever our background or where we come from, we can stand together, support one another and create greater understanding around lupus.

From our NoniM family to yours, happy Heritage Day, Mzansi! 🇿🇦

Ubuntu. Hope. Strength. Courage.
You are not alone. 💜

Noni M Lupus Support Circle | Warriors & Families

01/09/2026

🌸💜 WELCOME SPRING! 💜🌸

As we welcome the season of new beginnings, may spring bring renewed hope, strength, growth and brighter days to everyone in our community.

At NoniM Lupus Foundation, we continue to stand together to raise awareness, support lives and inspire hope for those affected by lupus.

May this new season remind us that, even through difficult days, there is always room for hope, healing, growth and moving forward. 🌷

Happy Spring Day from all of us at NoniM Lupus Foundation! 💜

🌸 Creating awareness. Supporting lives. Inspiring hope.

14/08/2026

LUPUS — IT’S MORE THAN YOU CAN SEE.

Lupus is an unpredictable autoimmune disease, and many of its symptoms can be invisible. Someone may look well on the outside while living with fatigue, pain, headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties (“lupus fog”), sleep problems and other symptoms that can significantly affect daily life.

What you see is not always what someone is experiencing.

This is why awareness matters.
This is why understanding matters.
This is why support matters.

💜 Believe people when they say they are struggling.
💜 Listen without judgement.
💜 Offer support without assumptions.
You are not alone.

NoniM Lupus Foundation
Awareness • Support • Community • Hope

🌐 nonimlupus.org (Coming Soon)

Sources:
• Lupus Foundation of America — Lupus symptoms and living with lupus
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) — Lupus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Lupus
• Lupus UK — Lupus symptoms and support

Disclaimer: This content is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Symptoms and experiences vary from person to person.

09/08/2026

💜 Happy Women’s Day from NoniM Lupus Foundation 💜

Today we celebrate every woman who continues to show up with courage, even on the days when life feels heavy. To every lupus warrior, mother, daughter, sister, caregiver, friend and woman quietly fighting battles others may never see—we see you, we honour you, and we celebrate you.

May you always remember that your strength does not mean you have to do everything alone. Rest when you need to, ask for support when you need it, and never forget how valuable you are.

You are strong. You are loved. You are resilient. You are not alone. 💜

🌸 Happy Women’s Day to every beautiful woman in our NoniM Lupus Foundation family and beyond.

Hope. Strength. Courage. 🦋
🌐 nonimlupus.org (Coming Soon)

06/08/2026

Fibromyalgia & Lupus: Invisible Pain. Real Impact.

Many people living with lupus also experience fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that can cause widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, stiffness, and difficulty with memory and concentration (“fibro fog”). Although the pain may be invisible, its impact is very real.

If you are living with both conditions, remember to:
💜 Listen to your body.
💜 Pace yourself.
💜 Prioritise rest.
💜 Stay connected with your support system.
💜 Be kind to yourself—healing is not a race.

You are not alone. Your pain is real, your journey matters, and there is hope.



Disclaimer: This post is for awareness and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your symptoms or treatment, please consult your healthcare provider.

Sources: Mayo Clinic; Arthritis Foundation; Lupus Foundation of America.

03/08/2026

Hope 💜

31/07/2026

29/07/2026

❄️ COLD FRONT & LUPUS: WHY DO FLARES FEEL WORSE?

As winter temperatures drop, many people living with Lupus notice increased joint pain, stiffness, muscle aches, fatigue, and reduced mobility. While a cold front does not cause Lupus, it can trigger or worsen symptoms in some people.

One condition that may become more noticeable during cold weather is Raynaud’s phenomenon, where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow in response to cold. This can cause fingers or toes to turn white, blue, or red and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or pain.

💜 How to protect yourself during cold weather:

Dress in warm layers and keep your hands and feet warm.
Drink warm fluids and stay well hydrated.
Stay active with gentle stretching or light exercise to reduce stiffness.
Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
Prioritise rest and listen to your body’s signals.
Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms become severe, persistent, or significantly worsen.

At NoniM Lupus Foundation, we believe that education empowers people living with Lupus to better understand their condition and make informed decisions about their health. Together, we can raise awareness, support one another, and improve lives.

💜 Stay warm. Listen to your body. You are never alone.

🌐 www.nonimlupus.org (Coming Soon)

🦋 Join our Purple Wings Support Group and become part of a community that understands, encourages, and uplifts one another.

Sources
• European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). Recommendations for the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
• Lupus Foundation of America. Managing Lupus Symptoms.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Lupus.
• Arthritis Foundation. Cold Weather and Arthritis Pain.
• Mayo Clinic. Raynaud’s Disease – Symptoms and Causes.



Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and awareness purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns.

27/07/2026

APS & BLOOD CLOTS: WHAT EVERY LUPUS WARRIOR SHOULD KNOW

Did you know that people living with Lupus may be at a higher risk of developing Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)? APS is an autoimmune condition that can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots in the veins and arteries.

Blood clots can lead to serious complications such as:
Stroke
Heart attack
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
Pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriages

🚨 Know the warning signs of a blood clot:
• Sudden swelling, pain, or redness in a leg or arm
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Sudden vision changes or severe headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

✅ Regular check-ups, taking your medication as prescribed, and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider can help reduce your risk.

At NoniM Lupus Foundation, we believe that education saves lives. By raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can empower lupus warriors to recognise the signs early and seek timely treatment.

💜 Know the signs. Protect your health. You are never alone.

🌐 www.nonimlupus.org (Coming Soon)

🦋 Join our Purple Wings Support Group and become part of a community that understands, encourages, and uplifts one another.

Sources
• European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). 2019 EULAR recommendations for the management of antiphospholipid syndrome in adults. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2019.
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) Patient Information.
• Lupus Foundation of America. Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
• Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Diagnosis and Treatment.
• Mayo Clinic. Antiphospholipid Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Lupus.



Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and awareness purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns.

20/07/2026

LUPUS & BONE HEALTH

Did You Know?

People living with Lupus have a higher risk of developing osteopenia (low bone density) and osteoporosis (fragile bones that break more easily).

Why Are Lupus Warriors At Higher Risk?

Chronic inflammation

* Ongoing inflammation can speed up bone loss.

Corticosteroids (Prednisone)

* Long-term steroid use is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis in Lupus patients.

Sun avoidance

* Many Lupus warriors avoid sunlight because UV exposure can trigger flares.
* Less sunlight may contribute to lower Vitamin D levels, which are important for bone health.

Reduced physical activity

* Pain, fatigue and flare-ups can make exercise difficult.
* Less weight-bearing activity can weaken bones over time.

Kidney involvement

* Lupus nephritis and kidney disease can affect calcium and vitamin D balance.

Women are at greater risk

* Lupus affects women more often than men, and women already have a higher risk of osteoporosis.

⚠️ Osteoporosis Is Often Called A “Silent Disease”

Many people do not know they have bone loss until:

A fracture occurs

They lose height

😣 They develop persistent back pain

Areas Commonly Affected

Spine
Hips

Wrists

💜 Protecting Your Bones

Regular bone density scans if recommended

Adequate calcium intake

Vitamin D supplementation if prescribed

Weight-bearing exercise when medically advised

Avoid smoking

Limit alcohol intake

Follow your Lupus treatment plan

💜 Remember

Strong bones support a strong future.

Looking after your bones today may help prevent fractures and disability later in life.

Powerful Fact

💜 Bone loss can begin long before symptoms appear, which is why prevention and monitoring are so important.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for awareness and educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Image please

Sources: Lupus Foundation of America • NIDDK • National Kidney Foundation • American College of Rheumatology • Lived Experience: Nonhlanhla Mokoena (Founder, NoniM Lupus Foundation).Noni M Lupus Foundation