Lupus is an incurable autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in one or more parts of the body. The most common type of lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In some ways, lupus represents a kind of allergic reaction by the body, in which the immune system sees the body’s own healthy tissues and cells as foreign.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a complex and sometimes baffling condition that can target any tissue or organ of the body, including skin, muscles, joints, blood vessels, lungs, heart, kidneys, and the brain.

There are other types of lupus that mainly affect the skin (Discoid Lupus). Lupus typically occurs in young women between the ages of 15 and 45. However, men and children are also found to have lupus.

Led by our founder Honey Agar, over a million

dollars was raised for the startup of the Lupus Databank at Toronto Western Hospital. This databank has been the source of valuable patient information for countless lupus research projects. These projects have resulted in a better understanding of lupus and have formed the basis of improved techniques for the management of the disease. 

Funding the annual Geoff Carr Lupus Research

Fellowship since 1990. This Fellowship has trained over 30 rheumatologists at the Ontario Lupus Clinics to become experts in diagnosing and treating lupus. Each Fellow is also required to complete a research project during their Fellowship year. 

One of the biggest challenges lupus patients have is getting a timely diagnosis. The doctors trained during the Geoff Carr Fellowship develop skills that lead to an early diagnosis which can lead to better outcomes.