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Lupus Ontario funds certification for Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) in Thunder Bay
In 2023, Vanessa Cava and Abbey Hunter organized the Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario. These two lupus warriors wanted to raise awareness and were committed to raising funds to support those living with lupus in their community. Their dedication allowed them to raise over $20,000 for Thunder Bay. Since that time Lupus Ontario has been working with St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay to develop a plan to support the Rheumatic Diseases Program.
The Rheumatic Diseases Program triages over 600 referrals a year to rheumatology services and other programs in the community to support people living with rheumatic diseases.
Lupus Ontario is proud to announce that we will be funding Kathleen Andrews, a staff member of St. Joseph’s Care Group to pursue her certification as an Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC). This will enhance support for the Rheumatic Diseases program.
Kathleen has been working as an Occupational Therapist for the past 22 years in Thunder Bay (with a 1-year stint in Edmonton in the Arthroplasty program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital). She has an active interest in arthritis since volunteering within the Rheumatic Diseases Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group as a university student. The rewarding experience of volunteering within that environment played a key role in her decision to become an Occupational Therapist. Kathleen graduated from McMaster University in 2002 and has gained experience in various areas of Occupational Therapy, including within the Rheumatic Diseases Program. Currently, Kathleen works in outpatient orthopedics and with older adults in the geriatric assessment program.
“Having been born, raised, and working the vast majority of my career in Thunder Bay, I have been able to garner firsthand experience in the unique challenges we face in Northwestern Ontario with respect to access to rheumatological care for our clients. A lack of specialists, coupled with a vast geographical area makes access to care at times very difficult for our clients. I feel strongly about the need for equitable and efficient access to care for our clients and I look forward to being a part of the solution to the challenges they face. I am honoured to be receiving a funding grant through Lupus Ontario to be able to partake in this education and continue to serve our clients to the best of my ability.”
– Kathleen Andrews
Kathleen – We wish you all the best in your studies and as you move forward in your new role!
Special thanks to Vanessa Cava, Abbey Hunter, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Tbaytel, RBC and the many donors who supported the 2023 Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario.
- Mental Health and lupus
- Life journey and lupus: fertility preservation, family planning and pregnancy navigation and menopause and HRT
- Male and lupus
- Access to lupus care (access to lupus healthcare, challenges such as delayed diagnosis, access to the latest approved drugs and treatments)
- Racial disparities and lupus
- Social determinants and lupus
- Non-pharmacological interventions to improve health in SLE
- Nutrition and lupus
- Occupational Therapy and lupus
REGISTER FOR THE LUPUS CONFERENCE 2025 HERE
Please note: The admission is $100 USD for all four days, which includes the sessions, meals and entertainment. There is a hall capacity limit, so you are advised to register early.
Living with Lupus: Effective Pain Management Strategies
By Lisa Bilodeau, Vice President Lupus Ontario for Health Insight
People with various rheumatological diseases, such as lupus, often endure chronic inflammation and pain. While managing this pain can be challenging, several strategies can help alleviate it.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential organ damage. It affects five million people globally, and currently, there is no cure. Individuals with lupus may experience periods of remission between episodes of active disease, known as flares, during which pain can be particularly intense.
Increasing Awareness, 100 women at a time
by Lisa Bilodeau
Lisa Bilodeau, a lupus warrior and active community member, addressed 100+ Women Who Care Burlington and Hamilton-Wentworth to raise awareness about lupus. She shared her personal journey with the condition, highlighting its challenges and the need for increased research and funding. Lisa emphasized the importance of systemic research on lupus, which can benefit other autoimmune and systemic diseases. Both chapters of 100+ Women Who Care supported Lupus Ontario, funding a new support group and the Anne Matheson Biobank. Lisa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness and hopes for a future without lupus.
Lupus Ontario is now an official Affiliate Member of the CSPA
The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advocate, educate and support Canadians living with skin diseases, conditions, and traumas. We support and collaborate with Canadian patient groups and organizations that deal with specific skin disorders. By working together, we advocate for the needs of skin patients across the country and provide a broad range of education and support.
2024-2025 Geoff Carr Lupus Fellowship
The annual Fellowship is designed to provide advanced training to a rheumatologist specializing in lupus at an Ontario Lupus Clinic. The Lupus Fellow will follow patients at an accredited lupus clinic, supervise patient care and education, and become involved in clinical research. The stipend attached to the Geoff Carr Lupus Fellowship will be $72,000 CAD for one year. Candidates must arrange their own place of training at an accredited Lupus Clinic in Ontario.
The successful candidate will likely have completed his/her core training in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics and have completed a minimum of two years in rheumatology.
Awards are made on the recommendation of Arthritis Society Canada’s review panel. Lupus Ontario administers the Fellowship.
New data on SAPHNELO, a promising biologic for lupus
SAPHNELO data show patients are more likely to achieve and sustain remission in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to standard therapy alone
